The presence of "national players" in the China-Korea youth competition

Reported by Chen Yong Because the selection training for the U15 national team coincided, the Shandong Taishan U15 squad, missing nine young national players called up, could not take part in the first China-Korea Youth Football Elite Competition "462" Cup in Dingnan, Jiangxi, which is a bit unfortunate. This competition still gathered top domestic youth elite teams including Evergrande Football School, Wuhan Three Towns, Zhejiang Club, Shanghai Port, Guangdong Mintu, and Chengdu Football Association. Among them, Wuhan Three Towns had five players selected for the U15 national team, with four currently competing in the China-Korea contest; Zhejiang had three players selected for the U15 national team, all participating in the competition—these seven young national players have attracted much attention.

The U15 national team selection training is divided into two phases: the first phase started on January 8 with 30 players attending, and the second phase began on January 15 with 24 players. Players who took part in the first phase but do not continue to the later stage can head to Dingnan on the 15th to join the last four rounds of the China-Korea competition, while those in the second phase can participate in the first four rounds held from January 11 to 14.

Xu Xinze from Wuhan Three Towns joined the first phase of the selection training and therefore did not come to Dingnan for the China-Korea matches. However, four other Wuhan Three Towns players—Chen Yiyu, Yang Hanyue, Zhang Chen, and Chen Kaidi—will report to the U15 national team only on January 15, after competing in the China-Korea matches from the 11th to the 14th.

Guo Rundong, Hua Zixuan, and Chen Jianfeng from Zhejiang Football Club also reported on January 15 and will leave for the U15 national team after finishing the China-Korea competition on the 14th.

On the evening of January 11, the match between Zhejiang and HSFA Huacheng was a highlight battle. The intensity and pace of the game brought a refreshing experience, earning high praise from all coaches, players, referees, and staff watching. Although Zhejiang lost 1-2, their overall performance was widely recognized by all attendees.

Guo Rundong, Hua Zixuan, and Chen Jianfeng started in this match. Chen Jianfeng played as right-back, while Guo Rundong and Hua Zixuan formed the dual core of Zhejiang’s attack and defense transitions. The first goal scored by Zhejiang came from Guo Rundong, who dribbled past two opponents in midfield and made a direct pass, followed by two coordinated plays near and inside the penalty area, where Chen Jianfeng, advancing from the right flank, scored.

Among these three players, Chen Jianfeng is fast and more suited for the wings; Guo Rundong is physically strong and balanced both offensively and defensively; Hua Zixuan is more technical, with excellent ball skills and breakthrough ability, while also possessing decent physical strength for challenges.

On the afternoon of January 12, the match between Wuhan Three Towns and Yongin FC was another key game. Chen Yiyu, Yang Hanyue, and Zhang Chen started the match, with Chen Yiyu as goalkeeper, Yang Hanyue as left-back, and Zhang Chen as right-back. Before halftime, Wuhan Three Towns extended their lead to 2-0 through a header by Zhang Chen from a corner kick.

Notably, in the second half, Zhang Chen’s position shifted, even appearing as a left winger at one point. Chen Kaidi also came on as a substitute, playing as defensive midfielder. Zhang Chen’s speed, strong dribbling, and versatility across multiple positions left a deep impression. Wuhan Three Towns performed excellently in this match, eventually winning 5-0 against the relatively weaker Korean team Yongin FC.

In another match that day, Chengdu Football Association defeated the strong but rotated HSFA Huacheng team 1-0. Chengdu FA also has four youth national team players, though they did not participate in this China-Korea competition; three are currently in the U15 national team selection training, and one will join the training on January 15. Guangdong Mintu also has two youth national players who were absent from this competition.

The U15 national team was recently formed, and this selection training did not include all elite players. For example, the Evergrande Football School’s 2011 age group is very strong but has not yet joined the U15 national team selection. According to plans, the U15 national team will play two matches against Evergrande Football School to closely observe and select players.