It's been a while, but the Chinese Super League (CSL) has once again acquired a top European international player, bringing new hope to the league on the eve of the establishment of the China Football Association Professional League (CFA PL). Dalian Yiben, newly promoted to the CSL, has confirmed the signing of Alemi, the current absolute starting midfielder for North Macedonia. This is another rare European national team star for Chinese football, and he can be considered the next Stanicu for the CSL!
In his last four UEFA Nations League matches, Alemi started and played the full game, helping North Macedonia achieve four consecutive victories. In particular, against Armenia, he contributed one assist and one goal, creating two goals alone, with five statistics ranking first in the game, earning him the title of best player for that match. He is indeed a core-level midfielder for this North Macedonian team.
Furthermore, among all players in the current UEFA Nations League season, his tackles, successful ground challenges, and number of fouls received rank first among all North Macedonian players, surpassing many top European stars. His form and abilities are truly rare and valuable among current CSL foreign players.
The CSL has not often managed to bring in active European national team stars, especially midfield core-level foreigners, which were more common during the golden age of CSL football. Back then, players like Witsel and Carrasco were household names as world-class stars, and their impact was evident. In the post-golden age of football, it is indeed rare and remarkable to be able to attract current, popular European national team starters.
Previously, Wuhan Three Towns, in their first season after promotion to the CSL, brought in Stanicu, the Romanian midfield core, who quickly won over fans and helped the team win the CSL championship. This time, as newly promoted to the CSL, Dalian Yiben's introduction of Alemi makes it hard not to think of the Stanicu from back then. Can Alemi become the "next Stanicu" in the CSL? (Lao Qiu)