Antonio’s Youth Puzzle! Analyzing the Data of the U22 China National Football Team’s 23-Man Squad

Reporter Lu Mi reports The U23 Asian Cup qualifiers start on September 3 in Xi’an. The U22 men’s team under Antonio’s leadership will compete against East Timor, Northern Mariana Islands, and Australia, with the goal of advancing to the final competition. The squad centers on players born in 2003. On August 29, the Chinese Football Association announced the 23-player roster. Four players were left out: Yiran He and Zhijian Xuan from Yatai, goalkeeper Luan Yi from Shijiazhuang Gongfu, and midfielder Chen Zhexuan from Jinmen Tiger.

From the list, nine players have been selected for the national team, seven have match experience, and eight participated in the U20 Asian Cup earlier this year, also performing well in the current league season. We compiled data up to the 22nd round of the Chinese Super League and the 21st round of China League One, showing many selected players have secured regular starting roles, such as Yudong Wang, Haofan Liu, and Yuwang Xiang. Their overall strength and tournament experience have improved.

Yu Jinyong Taishan / 7 matches

Due to Wang Dalei’s intermittent suspensions and injuries, Yu Jinyong has had more chances. This season, he appeared 7 times in the Super League, starting 5 matches, conceding 10 goals, and keeping one clean sheet.

In the match against Rongcheng, after Wang Dalei was sent off, Yu Jinyong stepped up, playing 30 minutes with 4 saves, including blocking a close-range shot. Against Henan, he played 65 minutes, touched the ball 36 times, made 5 saves, and stopped 3 shots inside the penalty area.

During Taishan’s recent three-match winning streak, Yu Jinyong repeatedly neutralized opponents’ threats, helping secure victories. As Wang Dalei’s successor, this 21-year-old goalkeeper shows solid fundamentals and great potential, though he currently lacks experience and needs time to mature.

Li Hao West Coast / 22 matches

After Ji Jiabao’s departure, 21-year-old Li Hao became West Coast’s main goalkeeper this season, playing all 22 rounds, achieving 5 clean sheets, averaging 22.5 passes per game with 17.3 long balls, and a duel success rate of 77.8%. He also gained experience in the penalty shootout during the FA Cup knockout match against Guoan.

As a young goalkeeper making his Super League debut, his performance has been impressive.

Huo Shenping Zhejiang / 2 matches

Joining this season, Huo Shenping is Zhejiang’s second-choice goalkeeper. Although not new to the Super League, his experience is limited. He played twice this season: first as a substitute for injured Zhao Bo against Guoan, making 4 saves in 10 minutes, all inside the box, with 6 passes and an 83% accuracy rate; then starting a full 90 minutes against Shenhua. After Zhao Bo’s return, Huo moved back to the bench, only appearing in two FA Cup matches thereafter.

Wumiti Jiang Haigang / 14 matches

Wumiti Jiang has been capped by the national team and appeared for them. This season, he joined Haigang and played 14 times, starting 13 matches with a 90% passing accuracy. In the recent “Shanghai Derby,” he started and played the entire game, making a team-high 10 clearances. His growth story is inspiring: starting from Xinjiang youth training, overcoming a skull fracture, and returning to perform well in the top league. Besides center-back, he can also play as a full-back, making him a versatile player favored by coaches.

Peng Xiao Taishan / 6 matches

A product of Taishan’s youth system, Peng Xiao has shown consistent performance in Taishan B team, frequently called up to national squads, and played in the U20 Asian Cup earlier this year. In China League Two this year, he appeared 14 times, starting 12, scoring 6 goals. Since Han Peng became the Chinese coaching chief, Peng Xiao has had more opportunities in the Super League, with 6 appearances and 5 starts. Notably, his passing accuracy exceeds 80% in both League Two and the Super League, and he possesses a strong free-kick ability.

Zhang Yixuan Red Lion (China League One) / 19 matches

Zhang Yixuan is on loan at Qingdao Red Lion this season, playing as a center-back. His overall performance is stable though details need improvement. He has played 19 League One matches with 14 starts. He has been repeatedly called up to U22 training camps and was a main center-back in the Yancheng International Invitational Tournament, helping the team win the championship. Coach Antonio noted Zhang’s “speed advantage and aerial duel ability” are pivotal in the team’s tactics.

Bao Shimon Suzhou (China League One) / 16 matches

This season, Bao Shimon was loaned from Haigang to Suzhou Dongwu, appearing 16 times with 10 starts, contributing 1 assist and 6 key passes. He averages 17.2 passes per game with a 23.8% success rate, 2.62 crosses, 1.25 tackles, 0.75 interceptions, and 1.25 clearances per game. His playing time is flexible; for example, on July 19 against Foshan Nanshi, he came on as a substitute in the 70th minute to help stabilize the defense, reflecting his defined role by the coaching staff.

Liu Haofan Zhejiang / 22 matches

As Zhejiang’s main center-back, Liu Haofan has started all 22 Super League matches this season, plus two FA Cup starts, scoring one goal. He is a key part of Zhejiang’s defensive system. The coaching staff trusts him greatly. This season, he has played multiple positions, averaging 54.4 passes per game with an 86.8% accuracy. Internationally, he gained playing time in the East Asian Cup and represented the U22 national youth team at the Yancheng International Invitational, gaining some international experience. His league appearances have helped his growth. Liu excels in aerial duels and team defensive coordination.

Wang Shiqin Zhejiang / 21 matches

Wang Shiqin is a young defender Zhejiang has focused on developing this season, showing a combination of defensive toughness and tactical adaptability. In his first Super League season, he has appeared 21 times with 18 starts, averaging 76 minutes per game. He averages 46.5 passes with an 82.4% completion rate; defensively, he makes 1.43 tackles, 2.38 clearances, and 1.62 aerial duels per game. This year, Wang was called up to the East Asian Cup and saw playing time.

Yang Xi West Coast / 14 matches

Yang Xi has a youth training background with Espanyol. After joining West Coast at the season’s start, he quickly entered the first team. He has appeared 14 times in the Super League, starting 13, plus two FA Cup appearances. In the second half of the season, he secured the starting right-back role. On May 6 against Xinpengcheng, he stood out with 5 tackles, 3 clearances, and 3 crosses. His dribble success rate is 62.5%, averaging 1.07 dribbles per game. Defensively, he averages 2.79 clearances and 1.5 interceptions per game, ranking third with 57 total tackles this season. Yang’s wing breakthroughs and crosses are core to West Coast’s attack, with strong right-side performances.

Hu Hetao Rongcheng / 12 matches

Hu Hetao is a favored player of Xu Zhengyuan and has held the main right wing-back position for the past two seasons. This season was supposed to be his busiest, playing on three fronts. In the Super League, he started and completed all 12 rounds, scoring once and providing three assists. However, during the June World Cup qualifiers, he suffered an injury and was sidelined for two months, missing several matches. He has since returned and played in the FA Cup matches against Rongcheng and Yukun. Rongcheng is performing well in the league, and his comeback adds strength to their title challenge.

Xierzhati Ironmen (China League One) / 7 matches

Currently the top team in China League One, Ironmen loaned midfielder Xierzhati this season. He has made only 7 appearances, starting 6. A product of Hubei Youth Star Academy, he has been loaned out to several clubs including Dandong Tengyue, Shanghai Jiading Huilong, and Jiangxi Lushan, where he secured steady playing time, showing strong adaptability and professionalism. Though only 1.78m tall, he is fast and mainly plays on the wings, contributing both offensively and defensively. This season, he mostly operates on the right side for Ironmen.

Xu Bin West Coast / 20 matches

Xu Bin has grown rapidly in the past two years, showing leadership qualities. Last year, playing for Guangzhou in China League One, he appeared 24 times as a main midfielder, starting 23. After joining West Coast this year, coach Shao Jiayi, known for trusting young players, gave him many chances. Xu has played 20 matches with 16 starts, providing 3 assists. In two matches against Haigang, he performed outstandingly, assisting Aziz in the first leg for a 3-1 lead and assisting Gaodi in the last moments of the second leg to secure a draw.

Li Zhenquan Tongliang Long (China League One) / 20 matches

Li Zhenquan has been the main defensive midfielder since the team was founded. He has consistently started all 20 matches this season, averaging 84 minutes per game. Under former coach Lin Lin, Li played a dual role as a “defensive shield and playmaker.” After Salvadore took over this year, his attacking traits were further activated, scoring 2 goals and assisting 2 times, with a dribble success rate of 61.8% and a shot accuracy of 37.5%. Defensively, he averages 1.4 tackles, 0.7 clearances, and even 5 blocked shots per game. Among young defensive midfielders, he is balanced in offense and defense and has a promising future.

Mutalifu West Coast / 6 matches

In 2022, Mutalifu was promoted with Rongcheng and was dubbed a “twin star” alongside Hu Hetao. Both are regulars in the youth national team, but switching sides affected his development, causing him to gradually fall out of the main framework. However, due to his talent and age advantage, Rongcheng loaned him to West Coast during the summer window. This season, he has appeared 6 times with 3 starts, regaining form. In the away match against Taishan, Mutalifu assisted Aziz’s goal in the 78th minute.

Yang Haoyu Shenhua / 19 matches

Yang Haoyu has emerged spectacularly this season, becoming an important rotational midfielder in the talent-rich Shenhua squad. He has appeared 19 times with 8 starts. His highlights include scoring in consecutive rounds 11 and 12 as a substitute. Earlier this year in the AFC Champions League Elite Tournament against Vissel Kobe, he started and assisted Chen Jinyi, helping the team take a 2-0 lead. This season, his passing accuracy is 82.2%. He is regarded as Wu Xi’s successor, and he mentioned that Wu often teaches him how to play the number 8 role. If he persists, he is expected to have a bright future.

Mao Weijie Yingbo / 17 matches

Mao Weijie was a key player in Yingbo’s promotion campaign, a regular in the youth national team during League One. Early this year, he played in the U20 Asian Cup, scoring once and assisting once. As a forward, he competes with foreign players for spots. This season, he has appeared 17 times with 8 starts, averaging 42 minutes per game. In the match against San Zhen, he scored his first Super League goal. In round 2, he assisted Karanga. Offensively, Mao has taken 13 shots with a 23.1% accuracy and a dribble success rate of 41.4%.

Li Xinxiang Haigang / 18 matches

One of Haigang’s highly promoted young players this season, Li played in the B team last year in League Two. This season, he has appeared 18 times in the Super League with 6 starts, scoring 4 goals and providing 3 assists with impressive efficiency. In round 16 against Xinpengcheng, he came off the bench and scored a world-class equalizer, marking three consecutive rounds with goals. As a modern winger, his dribbling and crossing skills stand out, with 14 successful dribbles showing his attacking threat, averaging 1.06 dribbles per game and a shot accuracy of 29.4%. Coach Muscat is very fond of him. At the national team level, this is his first U22 call-up, touted as Wu Lei’s successor, and it remains to be seen if he can prove himself internationally.

Kuai Jiwen Haigang / 14 matches

Kuai Jiwen participated in the U20 Asian Cup earlier this year, playing all three group matches and contributing 2 goals and 1 assist, including a stunning volley against Australia. He later played in the Yancheng International Invitational. In League Two this year, he scored on his debut. He has made 14 Super League appearances with 4 starts and provided 4 assists. His ball control and playmaking are outstanding, and he has made several crucial defensive tackles. Additionally, he was called up to the East Asian Cup and saw playing time.

Wang Yudong Zhejiang / 22 matches

Wang Yudong has been a standout this season, scoring 11 goals and providing 2 assists. In the Super League, he is Zhejiang’s undeniable mainstay, playing 22 matches with 21 starts. His finishing ability is excellent, and he also creates chances for teammates, making him indispensable in the team’s attack. At the national level, he shone in the U20 Asian Cup group stage with 1 goal and 1 assist. In the opening match against Kyrgyzstan, he assisted Liu Chengyu’s goal, calmly converted a penalty, and caused the opponent to receive a red card. Wang has skipped multiple age groups, gaining international experience. Technically well-rounded, able to dribble and finish, mentally mature, he is not only the core striker for the youth national team but also a hopeful future star for the senior national team.

Xiang Yuwang Tongliang Long (China League One) / 20 matches

As captain of Tongliang Long, Xiang Yuwang continued to dominate in League One this season, scoring 7 goals and 1 assist in 6 rounds between March and April, including scoring in 5 consecutive games and winning player of the month. In July, he scored 6 goals in 4 games, including a hat-trick against Red Lion, earning player of the month honors again. This season, he started all 20 League One matches, scoring 14 goals and providing 1 assist. Last season, he was the top domestic scorer in League One and currently ranks second in the scorers’ chart (tied). At the national level, he started as the lone striker for the U22 team at the Yancheng International Invitational. His partnership with Mutalifu was threatening, though he didn’t score, he showed his role as a frontline pivot. Xiang combines explosiveness and shooting skills and, based on his “foreign player-level” performance in League One, has the potential to break into the senior national team.

Bai Helamu Xinpengcheng / 12 matches

Bai Helamu has played in World Cup qualifiers, scoring two goals, once highly regarded, but this season he hit a bottleneck with clear weaknesses. He only made 12 appearances for Xinpengcheng, starting 6, averaging 49 minutes per game, without goals or assists. In round 3 against Yukun, he was suspended for punching an opposing defender, limiting his playing opportunities.

Zhu Pengyu Yingbo / 22 matches

Zhu Pengyu appeared 22 times in the Super League with 13 starts, scoring 2 goals and assisting 2 times, serving as an important rotation player. At the national level, he played in the U20 Asian Cup, scoring twice in the group match against Kyrgyzstan and hitting the crossbar with a header, helping the youth team to a 5-2 victory. As a versatile forward-midfielder, Zhu is active and has goal-scoring ability. His rise is closely linked to Yingbo’s development system. This season, his stats have improved significantly compared to previous years, showing balanced progress in attack and defense.

The final 23-man roster released on August 29 excluded Yiran He, Zhijian Xuan, Chen Zhexuan, and Luan Yi. Among them, goalkeeper Luan Yi from China League One’s Shijiazhuang Gongfu is 1.77m tall and has appeared 5 times this season in League One and the FA Cup; left-back Zhijian Xuan, who only played in the Super League this year as a defensive rotation player, appeared 15 times for Yatai with 12 starts, averaging 68 minutes per game; midfielder Chen Zhexuan from Jinmen Tiger played 6 times this season with 1 start, averaging 13 minutes, with limited data available.

Compared to the above three, Yiran He’s omission is somewhat surprising. This season, he appeared 16 times for Yatai with 12 starts, averaging 67 minutes per game. Yatai faced significant relegation pressure but recently rebounded, beating Xinpengcheng to gain crucial 3 points. He started as a left center-back, playing the full match and making 4 tackles and 6 successful duels. In the U20 youth team, he was a main left-back in the U20 Asian Cup earlier this year and has been repeatedly called up to the U22 youth team. Yiran has considerable Super League experience and shows rare composure under pressure for a young player. Notably, after being left out of the 23-man squad, he and teammate Zhijian Xuan went straight to Yuxi to participate in the relegation battle against Yukun, helping the team secure a valuable point.