Currently, there is a serious shortage of midfielders in our soccer world.
The Premier League is looking out of its depth in terms of creativity and control.
The crux of our team's offensive weakness lies in the CFL's
Outside backs often occupy a key role in the organization of the midfield.
As a result, our league struggles to produce midfield leaders.
However, with the fall of the Golden Age, the
Local players are gradually emerging on the Chinese Super League stage.
Some brilliant young midfielders have given us new hope.
Shanghai Shenhua's midfielder Dai Weijun is the most talked about new star.
Dai Weijun is different from many Chinese players of his age.
He traveled with his father to England at an early age.
He thrived in youth camps in England.
His style of play is closer to Europe than to local youth training.
He is imaginative and confidently rides the green field.
Dai Weijun played for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the English Premier League.
He excelled in the U21s and U23s.
Especially impressive was his accurate long range shot.
Dai Weijun then returned to the Chinese Super League, joining Shenzhen.
At that time, the Shenzhen team was exactly a powerhouse.
Dai Weijun became one of the few players on the team to play alongside star Quintero.
Many fans hailed him as a homegrown Quintero.
The Shenzhen team helped Dai Weijun complete his identity transition.
At the same time, he was selected for the national team.
His confidence and creativity were evident against Japan in the Round of 12.
Many fans believe that Dai Weijun will be able to gel with his national teammates as long as time permits.
At that time, he will unleash even more energy.
Expected to be the centerpiece of the national team.
However, Dai Weijun has recently hit a bottleneck.
He left the Shenzhen team for Shanghai Shenhua due to unpaid wages.
But his performance at Shenhua was not ideal.
In 17 games, he made just six starts and contributed one assist.
A lot of the time, he came on late in the second half.
He seems to have become the team's "replacement odd man out".
So what is the reason why Dai Weijun couldn't find a place at Shenhua?
In addition to similar issues with the National
There is another key factor.
That is, the other players are much better.
One of the local midfielders to watch is Xu Haoyang.
Xu Haoyang, 24 years old, known as "small Qihong".
He is also from Genbao base and is the best of Genbao's 99-00 ladder.
Previously, Xu Haoyang had traveled to other teams for workouts.
In the 2022 season, he played for Chinese Super League champions Wuhan Sanzhen.
The team's big-time midfielder, Stancho, has publicly praised him.
He was recalled by Shenhua for the 2023 season.
He was outstanding for Shenhua earlier this season.
He's nimble up front and always delivers the knockout blow.
He also has the ability to shoot.
He played 30 games for Shenhua this season.
In 22 of those starts, he scored one goal and contributed four assists.
If he doesn't play for his country during the Asian Games.
His numbers might have been even more glowing.
Although Xu Haoyang does not have the same outstanding talent as Dai Weijun.
But his kicking style is more concise.
This seems to suit Shenhua better.
As a result, his game isn't fancy.
So, can Xu Haoyang take his place in the national team?
