Dalian Yiben has added another strong local player, who is considered better than Liao Li Sheng, and with good performance, there's a chance to enter the national team!
After Dalian Yiben outperformed Guangzhou FC to be promoted to the Chinese Super League (CSL), they began to actively recruit new players, not only focusing on foreign players but also striving for excellence in domestic signings.
In terms of foreign players, Kalanga was already quite impressive, and during the winter transfer window, they successfully signed former Shanghai Shenhua player Malele and former Beijing Guoan player Mamadou. These two additions have significantly enhanced the team's overall strength. Having good foreign players is essential, but so are strong domestic players. As the saying goes, "He who controls the midfield controls the world," and a team that wants to achieve something in the league must first strengthen its midfield dominance.
The midfield is the hub of a team's attack and defense, capable of both offense and defense. Dalian Yiben only had one foreign midfielder, Labu Yade, and veteran Wang Xuanhong retired. Therefore, Dalian Yiben has been looking for a good domestic midfielder. They certainly have requirements for this midfielder: they need to be strong in ability and have an advantage in age. The dissolved Guangzhou FC's midfielder, Liao Jintao, has come into Dalian Yiben's view.
Liao Jintao is only 24 years old and comes from Evergrande Football School, where he stands out among his peers. Liao Jintao has played in professional leagues representing Guangzhou FC, Wuhan Three Towns, and Kunshan FC, helping Kunshan FC win the China League One championship in 2022. After Kunshan FC disbanded, Liao Jintao returned to Guangzhou FC in 2023 and has been the team's midfield mainstay for these two seasons. He has made 57 appearances for the team, contributing 5 goals and 3 assists.
Due to his excellent performance in the league, Liao Jintao has been selected for the U19 and U20 national teams. He is an all-round defensive midfielder capable of both offense and defense. Many fans previously compared Liao Jintao to Liao Li Sheng, but in fact, Liao Jintao is considered more outstanding. That's why Dalian Yiben extended an olive branch to Liao Jintao. However, Dalian Yiben did not offer Liao Jintao a big contract; they only signed him for one year.
Within this year, Liao Jintao must prove himself with outstanding performances. If the head coach is willing to give Liao Jintao opportunities, it is believed that he will not disappoint everyone's trust. It is hoped that Liao Jintao can not only help Dalian Yiben stay in the CSL but also enable the team to achieve better results. Perhaps Liao Jintao will follow in the footsteps of Lin Liangming, who once played for Dalian Pro, and enter the national team with his remarkable performance, bolstering the weak midfield of the national football team.