The first training session of the year for the Chinese men's national football team, organized in Hainan, has concluded. The results of the evaluation conducted by head coach Ivanković on several new national players have also been released. According to reports from related media and sources, three new national players have successfully passed the evaluation and will remain with the team to play against Saudi Arabia and Australia in the upcoming 18-strong match in March. Who are these three new national players? Please continue reading to find out!
The first is Hou Yongyong! His selection this time was a natural fit. It is reported that Ivanković had long wanted to recruit Hou Yongyong for an assessment. However, due to Hou Yongyong's previous involvement with Lanhjem in the Norwegian First Division in Europe, it was very inconvenient for him to travel back and forth. Long-distance travel could potentially affect the player's condition if he turned out to be unsuitable. Nonetheless, Hou Yongyong remained under Ivanković's observation.
Honestly, as the top scorer and MVP of the Norwegian First Division, Hou Yongyong undoubtedly possesses a certain level of ability. Therefore, during this winter break, Ivanković specially arranged for Hou Yongyong to join the national team for an assessment. Currently, the assessment results for Hou Yongyong appear to be positive. Moreover, a key point is that Hou Yongyong is about to join the newly promoted Yunnan Yulong team in the Chinese Super League. This way, Hou Yongyong can be called up by Ivanković at any time.
The second is Wu Shaocong. Previously, Wu Shaocong was the first domestic player to go abroad. In Turkey and Poland, Wu Shaocong once secured a starting position. However, due to injury issues, Wu Shaocong has not had many opportunities to play recently. But he was once a national player, is currently in his prime, and has experience playing abroad. At present, the Chinese men's national football team's defensive line still needs further adjustments. Therefore, Wu Shaocong's selection this time is urgently needed! Ivanković places great importance on his assessment, especially in set-piece defense, where Wu Shaocong will take on a significant role. Judging from the results, media reports have revealed that Wu Shaocong has received recognition from head coach Ivanković.
The third is Yang Liyu! In the past at Guangzhou FC, Yang Liyu and Wei Shihao formed Guangzhou's front-line double threat, helping the team capture victories. In the last two years at Beijing Guoan, Yang Liyu also had outstanding performances, although not as impressive as during his time at Guangzhou FC, they were still commendable. Yang Liyu's arrival provides Ivanković with more options in his lineup arrangements. As a winger who can both pass and shoot, Yang Liyu has good chemistry with the national team's main player Wei Shihao. At critical moments, Ivanković can fully utilize the combined strength of Wei Shihao and Yang Liyu to deliver a decisive blow to their opponents!
