Exploring the legendary journey of the Chinese Super League's "golden boy" Oscar, the statistics of the 2023 season reveal his unique position. According to the data, Oscar was involved in 205 shots on goal in the Chinese Super League that season, a figure that is far ahead of other players, at least 35 times higher (pictured).
Taking a closer look at the data charts, we see that Wu Lei is right behind him in second place with 170 shots on goal. This shows that Oscar and Wu Lei, the twin stars of Shanghai Port, have combined to contribute 375 shots on goal. This is undoubtedly a feast of goals carefully arranged by Oscar and skillfully executed by Wu Lei, and it is no wonder that Wu Lei is at the top of the scorer's list.
Wu Lei's strength cannot be separated from Oscar's precise feeding. Without Oscar, Wu Lei's performance would have been at least greatly reduced, and perhaps even halved.
Looking back at the 2022 season, Oscar's inconsistent appearances led to SIPG's drop to fourth place in the league. Despite the lack of preparation early in the season, Oscar's prolonged absence was undoubtedly a key factor.
Wu Lei returned in August last year and played for Shanghai Port in the Chinese Super League in September. However, Wu Lei, who lacked Oscar's precise feeding, failed to play a decisive role in the team's ranking improvement despite his hard work.
The 2022 season not only showed the outside world how important Oscar is to Shanghai Port, but also impressed upon the team. This also explains why Oscar wanted to go back to Brazil at that time, but Shanghai was determined to keep him - because he is crucial to the team. Without Oscar, Wu Lei can't fly high; without Oscar, Shanghai Port lacks the center of the midfield and the brain.
After the 2023 season, Shanghai Port is once again facing a choice. How will the team react if Oscar chooses to leave? Fortunately, Oscar's interview gave Shanghai Port a sigh of relief.
According to Global Sports, Oscar has retained the possibility of returning to play in Brazil, but he made it clear that he will not follow Hong Kong. Especially his last sentence, "My plan is to finish the last year of my contract at Shanghai Port and then see what happens."
Previously, many Hong Kong fans worried about Oscar's departure. Now, after seeing his statement, they can rest assured in advance that there is no need to worry about whether Oscar will remain in the Chinese Super League in the 2024 season.
Oscar's statement is good news for Shanghai Port - the 2024 season is full of hope! If Oscar stays in the team, it will ensure Wu Lei's high scoring rate and Shanghai Port's qualification for the championship; if Oscar stays in the team, the elite AFC Champions League will also inject confidence.
Of course, Oscar chose to stay and play out his final contract year not out of faith or charity, but because of his immediate interests. After all, few would turn down a lucrative €20 million-plus income. Now, at a time when many Chinese Super League teams are facing the plight of wage arrears, Shanghai Port can still support the expensive foreigner, and one can't help but wonder - it's good to have money!
