In an intricate interactive network, small changes may trigger a series of chain reactions, a phenomenon that is graphically known as the "domino effect". This phenomenon is known as the "domino effect", and in Chinese soccer, such an effect has already appeared...
The Starting Card: Fellaini's Movement
Recall a week ago, Shandong Taishan team officially announced that the team's core foreign aid Fellaini will bid farewell to the team at the end of the season. In the past five years, Fellaini has witnessed the end of the golden dollar era of Chinese soccer with his outstanding performance, and has also become one of the few international stars in the league.
In these five years, Fellaini's high salary is not in vain, his dedication and professional attitude inspired the Taishan team and even more fans. However, emotional entanglements could not stop the parting.
Fellaini's departure was just announced, followed by Wuhan Sanzhen midfield core Stancho's announcement that he was joining the Saudi Arabian League, followed by Beijing Guoan's Ademi's announcement that he was joining Dinamo Zagreb, sparking a flurry of questions...
The Fellaini effect: a chain reaction
With Fellaini leaving, why should Stanciu and Ademi follow suit? Stanciu, a leading front-rower in the Chinese Super League, has combed the attacking veins of Wuhan Sanzhen with his excellent value for money and exceptional individual ability. Ademi failed to live up to expectations, but his professionalism is exemplary among foreigners.
However, we can't help but wonder if the departure of these high-level foreign aiders means that the Chinese Super League has lost its nostalgic value for them. What is the reason behind their choice to leave when they find a better place to go?
Currently, the only big brand name foreign aid left in the Chinese Super League is Shanghai Port's Oscar. But who can guarantee that he will stay at the end of the season? After all, Oscar's desire to escape from the Chinese Super League has been a long time coming, and if Shanghai Harbor wins this season's championship, Oscar himself will have no regrets, and there is no reason for Shanghai Harbor to retain him.
Ripple Reaction #1: Less attention and excitement in the league
The level of the Chinese Super League depends largely on foreign aiders, who not only bring results to their teams, but also enhance the excitement and attention of the league.
Take Shanghai Harbor for example, super foreigners like Oscar and Hulk control the team's offense and defense system. This season's Shanghai Harbor has a number of international players, but the strength of foreigners such as Oscar and Vargas is still far superior to other teams.
The dissolution of Jiangsu Suning, the rise of Wuhan Three Towns, and the golden dollar dynasty of Guangzhou Evergrande could not have been achieved without the contributions of outstanding foreigners such as Teixeira, Stancho, and Malcolm.
With the departure of these foreigners, the league's statistical indicators have plummeted, there is a lack of exciting matchups, and the technical and tactical levels are as good as novices trying out each other, so who would pay attention to such a league?
Chain Reaction 2: The overall strength of domestic players declined
The departure of foreign aiders puts higher demands on domestic players. They can learn a lot of techniques and tactics and broaden their horizons in their interactions with foreign aiders.
For example, Shandong Taishan youngster Guo Tianyu, who shone during the title-winning season, has mentioned the influence of Pelé and Fellaini on him in interviews. However, once the league lacks good foreigners, domestic players will face a huge challenge.
What is more worrying is that the declining ability of domestic players will directly affect the level of the national football team. In the recent warm-up match, the national football team drew with Malaysia, which exposed the problems behind it is worrying.
The chaos within the CFA and the lack of league management, national team and youth training leaders make us even more worried about the future of Chinese soccer. Perhaps only when the CFA returns to the right track, Chinese soccer can really move towards revival.
