In the 2023 winter transfer window, Tang Chuang's move to Shandong Taishan was like a "bomb" in the cold winter, instantly igniting discussions among fans. The question arises: can a tall striker who has only had one or two standout performances in the Chinese Super League really support Shandong Taishan's championship aspirations? Is this an extremely cost-effective pickup, or a bold bet on the future? There are many aspects worth considering, from the player's growth journey to the team's tactical needs and expectations for the new season.
If we go back a few years, mentioning Tang Chuang's name might not lead anyone to associate him with the words "top-level center forward." At that time, Tang Chuang was an unknown player in the China League One, with little fame and exposure. Even the fans said he was more like an "old yellow ox working silently." However, as the saying goes, "grinding an iron rod into a needle," Tang Chuang is a player who has come out through perseverance and tenacity.
When Tang Chuang first played for a League One team, he spent most of his time on the bench, occasionally coming on as a substitute but with a high goal efficiency. In one season's second half, his substitute goals were even higher than some of the main players. Unfortunately, the stage of League One was too small, and his performance did not attract much attention. It wasn't until he joined Chengdu Rongcheng that he gradually found his opportunities.
In his first two seasons at Chengdu Rongcheng, Tang Chuang did not directly secure a starting position, but he was not in a hurry. With his training attitude and good substitute performances on the field, he slowly won the trust of the coaching staff. What truly made him famous was the match against Shanghai Port in the 2023 season. He scored twice to tell everyone: don't underestimate me, this is my strength! From then on, Tang Chuang became known as a "dark horse" among fans and attracted the attention of several clubs, including Shandong Taishan.
Tang Chuang's choice of Shandong Taishan was clearly not a whim. Compared to other teams, Shandong Taishan's greatest attraction lies in their head coach Choi Kang-hee. As one of the most famous foreign coaches in the history of the Chinese Super League, Choi Kang-hee not only has rich coaching experience but is also particularly adept at "activating" center forwards.
Taking Choi Kang-hee's time at Shanghai Greenland Shenhua as an example, at that time, Bi Jinhao was once considered a "declining" player, but under Choi Kang-hee's tactical system, he transformed into the team's absolute focal point upfront and even contributed multiple crucial goals. Such successful cases make people hopeful about the possibilities after Choi Kang-hee takes over Tang Chuang.
Choi Kang-hee always values the tactical role of tall center forwards, which aligns with Shandong Taishan's recent offensive system characteristics.
Bringing in Tang Chuang can be seen as another reinforcement of the team's tactical thinking. From Choi Kang-hee's perspective, Tang Chuang does not need to score in every game; as long as he can play the pivot role and link up the front-line attackers, he has completed his task.
It is worth noting that Tang Chuang's joining is not the only action by Shandong Taishan in the winter window. Another national-level winger, Zhong Yihao, has also joined the team. Some say that the purpose of Shandong Taishan's recruitment this time is not just to strengthen the lineup but to comprehensively upgrade the tactical system for the future.
Zhong Yihao is known for his wing advancement and precise passing. His arrival aims to solve the problem of Shandong Taishan's single-minded wing offense. And Tang Chuang's high-point role requires a winger like Zhong Yihao, who is good at crossing, to "feed the ball." Judging from this perspective, Shandong Taishan's moves are obviously well-considered. Data shows that in the previous season's goals, the proportion of aerial scores was low, which is exactly what Choi Kang-hee hopes to adjust.
However, problems arise: can the combination of Zhong Yihao and Tang Chuang quickly produce a chemical reaction? If they cannot integrate quickly into the team, the value of the two signings may be greatly reduced.
Returning to Tang Chuang's breakout game - the match against Shanghai Port. In that game, Tang Chuang's performance was impeccable, whether it was headers or goal-scoring opportunities, his two goals were effortless. Interestingly, in recent years, Shanghai Port seems particularly prone to "upsets" at the hands of certain non-top-tier players. For example, Wuhan Three Towns' winger He Chao once completely suppressed Shanghai Port's defense in a match.
So the question is, why could Tang Chuang explode in this game? Some analysts believe it is related to the loopholes in Shanghai Port's defensive strategy against tall players. Their defenders lean towards technical types but often lack methods against tall center forwards. Tang Chuang happens to have a natural advantage in this regard. This also provides Shandong Taishan with an insight: how to use Tang Chuang's strengths to break through the opponent's defense in key matches.
Of course, Tang Chuang's joining is not without concerns. For Shandong Taishan, it is more like a gamble. Although Tang Chuang has made a name for himself at Chengdu Rongcheng, he has not yet proven that he can consistently perform in a championship-contending team. Especially as a tall center forward, his tactical role is undoubtedly important, but if he cannot continue to score goals, external doubts will only grow louder.
At the same time, how new signings integrate into the team is also a major test. Both Tang Chuang and Zhong Yihao undoubtedly possess strength, but Shandong Taishan is not a team that relies on a single tactical system, meaning the two must adapt to the team's various playing styles.
From Choi Kang-hee's perspective, he also needs time to adjust tactics and tailor suitable strategies for the two new signings.
Tang Chuang's story, from obscurity to sudden fame, is inspiring enough; but whether his future with Shandong Taishan is a gamble or a miracle, only time and the field can answer. Perhaps he can prove himself with goal after goal; perhaps he is just a piece in Choi Kang-hee's tactical puzzle. Regardless, the new season of Shandong Taishan will become more interesting because of Tang Chuang's addition.