The new training roster for the Chinese men's national football team has finally been released after much anticipation. This time, head coach Ivan has called up a total of 32 national players, with Beijing Guoan becoming the largest contributor, boasting seven of their players selected. In addition to some familiar faces and regulars in the national team, there are also five newcomers included in this training session: Wu Shaocong, Yang Liyu, Hou Yongyong, Maiwulang Mijiti, and Wumiti Jiang Yusup. Among them, the inclusion of the eagerly anticipated naturalized player Hou Yongyong has excited Chinese fans the most.
Overall, the roster aligns well with the wishes of Chinese fans, as it truly represents a major overhaul of the national team lineup, significantly improving the previously somewhat aging age structure. However, despite this, Ivan's selection for the national team still has three questionable choices that have sparked widespread criticism and controversy among fans.
Firstly, why was Yang Liyu, who has performed averagely, called up? Secondly, why is Wei Zhen still being used? Thirdly, why was the naturalized powerhouse Alan dropped from the squad? Is he not better than Yang Liyu? In summary, these three confusing selections by Ivan have raised many questions and criticisms from fans.
Let's start with the issue of Yang Liyu's call-up. Looking back at his past performance on the field, it is difficult to describe it as "outstanding." In club matches, although he occasionally shines, more often than not, he falls into mediocrity, lacking enough firepower in the offensive end to create decisive opportunities for the team. His performance in key matches is even less capable of carrying the team's offensive banner. Such an average player has made it into the national team, leaving fans puzzled. The national team is currently at a critical juncture where it urgently needs to enhance its strength and strive for better results. Every position should be filled by players who can play a role and have solid skills. Yang Liyu's inclusion makes one question Ivan's selection criteria.
Next, let's look at Wei Zhen's situation. This defender from the harbor has made low-level mistakes in previous national team games that were "painful to watch." On the football field, the defensive line is the last line of defense for the team, and every defensive action affects the outcome of the game. Wei Zhen, however, fails in crucial moments, making mistakes such as defensive lapses and misjudgments leading to goals, which undoubtedly deals a heavy blow to the team. One would think that after such a lesson, he would need a long period of excellent performance to prove himself again, yet Ivan still calls him up. This move is undoubtedly planting a time bomb in the already unstable defensive line of the national team, how can fans not worry?
What angers fans the most is the decision to drop the naturalized powerhouse Alan. Alan has shown superhuman individual ability in past games, whether it's his positioning, shooting in the offensive end, or his coordination with teammates, all demonstrating a very high level. He can tear through the opponent's defense with his own strength and create excellent scoring opportunities for the team, truly a sharp blade on the national team's front line. In comparison, Yang Liyu's performance pales in comparison. Yet now, Ivan chooses to drop Alan, a powerful player like him, in favor of Yang Liyu, which is simply incomprehensible.
The development of the national team carries the expectations of countless fans, and every selection concerns the future direction of the team. Although Ivan has made significant contributions to the rejuvenation of the national team lineup, these three questionable personnel decisions are really hard to understand. It is hoped that Ivan will re-examine his selection criteria and truly select a lineup for the national team that can fight and has the greatest lethality.