The new season of the Chinese Super League (CSL) is set to witness a surge in talent, with at least five national-level young stars expected to emerge, two of whom are returning from overseas stints. Who are these five rising stars?
First: Mao Weijie
A 2005-born midfielder and member of the latest U20 men's national football team roster, Mao plays for Dalian Yingtai, a newly promoted CSL team, and will compete in the league next season.
Mao Weijie has solid fundamentals, is brave on the ball, has strong ball control skills, his own ideas and rhythm, and his playing style is very similar to that of Japanese players. He is definitely worth watching in the new season!
Second: Li Hao
A 2004-born goalkeeper and mainstay of the national youth team, Li previously played for Atletico Madrid's youth academy and is likely to represent Qingdao West Coast in the CSL next season.
Li Hao has an excellent competitive temperament, solid goal-line technique, and fast reactions in front of the goal, making him a very promising young player. He is worth paying attention to in the new season!
Third: Yang Xi
A 2005-born full-back and member of the U20 men's national football team, Yang has been training with Espanyol's youth academy and is likely to represent Qingdao West Coast in the CSL next season.
Yang Xi is a product of Espanyol's youth training system and has received a complete Spanish training system. Therefore, his basic skills are very solid, he has excellent football intelligence, and his playing style is also stable.
Fourth: Xu Bin
A 2004-born defender and former mainstay of the U20 men's national football team, Xu played for Guangzhou FC in the China League One last season and is likely to represent Qingdao West Coast in the CSL next season.
Xu Bin was the main player among the players before Guangzhou FC disbanded. In terms of technical characteristics, he belongs to the attacking backline, has certain passing ability, a tough playing style, and outstanding explosive power. Of course, Xu Bin's weaknesses are also obvious. Because he started as a midfielder, his sense of position when playing as a side center-back is somewhat vague.
Fifth: Yimulan
A 2005-born midfielder and member of the national youth team, Yimulan has been playing for Shandong Taishan B team and is likely to represent the first team in the CSL next season.
Yimulan is an organizing midfielder with a European playing style, capable of one-touch passing. This type of player is seen for the first time among Chinese players. He possesses a clear advantage over others on the field in terms of volleyball skills, and a simple touch can change a chaotic situation into a clear one. He is really, really worth paying attention to!
What do you think about this, fellow football fans? Welcome to leave your comments and discuss in the comment section!