Three Out, Eight In! China’s National Football Team Gets Younger: Two Big Surprises as the 2000s Generation Rises

On January 3, the Chinese men’s national football team unveiled its latest training camp roster. From January 9 to 18, the team will gather in Haikou for a pivotal training session. The 32-player squad reflects head coach Aleksandar Ivanković’s continued emphasis on rejuvenation and preparation for upcoming challenges. Notably, the team’s star forward Wu Lei remains absent due to injury, while several fresh faces have been called up to inject youth and energy into the side.

Changes in the Squad: Three Out, Eight In

The previous squad was announced in November 2023, as China prepared for their AFC World Cup Qualifiers matches against Bahrain and Japan. Comparing the two rosters reveals significant changes: Liu Dianzuo, Jiang Guangtai, and Wu Lei are missing from the latest list. In their place, Ivanković has introduced eight newcomers: Jian Tao, Han Pengfei, Wu Shaocong, Wumiti Jiang, Huang Zhengyu, Maiwulang Mijiti, Yang Liyu, and Hou Yongyong.

While this is only a training camp roster, Ivanković’s intent is clear. The Serbian tactician is using the camp to evaluate and familiarize himself with players as he shapes the squad for the crucial stages of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers.

Two Major Surprises: Youth Takes Center Stage

The newly announced roster comes with two significant surprises that have captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

A Younger, Fresher Squad

One of the most striking aspects of the current squad is its youthful composition. The average age of the 32 players is 26.7 years, with only one player born in the 1980s: veteran goalkeeper Wang Dalei. The rise of players born in the 2000s is particularly noteworthy, with 11 players in this age group, including Jian Tao, Zhu Chenjie, Jiang Shenglong, Hu Hetao, Wumiti Jiang, Xie Wenneng, and Tao Qianglong.

Two standout young players, Maiwulang Mijiti and Wumiti Jiang Yusufu, were born in 2004, representing the next generation of Chinese football talent. This wave of 2000s-born players is poised to take on significant responsibilities, signaling a generational shift within the team.

The age distribution across the squad is well-balanced, with a blend of experience and youth across all positions. In goal, seasoned players Wang Dalei (35) and Yan Junling (33) are complemented by promising talents Han Jiaqi (25) and Jian Tao (23). The defensive line features a mix of young standouts like Wumiti Jiang and Hu Hetao, both in their early 20s, alongside experienced campaigners such as Yang Zexiang, Han Pengfei, and Li Lei, who are in their 30s. Similarly, the midfield and forward lines include players ranging from 20 to 31 years old, ensuring a dynamic and versatile squad.

The Long-Awaited Inclusion of Hou Yongyong

The second major surprise is the inclusion of Hou Yongyong. The naturalized player first gained eligibility to represent China in February 2019 after joining Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League. However, despite his potential, Hou was overlooked for national team duty for nearly six years.

In 2023, Hou transferred to the Norwegian league, where he enjoyed a breakout season. Playing 29 matches, he scored 19 goals and provided 8 assists, earning both the league’s Golden Boot and Player of the Year honors. His exceptional performances abroad have finally earned him a call-up to the national team, sparking excitement among fans eager to see what he can bring to the squad.

Strategic Rejuvenation

Ivanković’s approach reflects a deliberate effort to rejuvenate the national team. By blending experienced players with emerging talents, he is crafting a squad capable of competing at the highest level while building for the future. The inclusion of young players like Maiwulang Mijiti and Hou Yongyong signals a commitment to nurturing the next generation, while the continued reliance on veterans ensures stability and leadership.

As the team gathers in Haikou for this crucial training camp, the focus will be on integrating the new faces and refining tactics ahead of the AFC World Cup Qualifiers. With an average age of just under 27 and a wealth of promising talent, the future looks bright for China’s national football team.

Fans will be watching closely to see how this new-look squad performs and whether the bold decisions made by Ivanković will pay dividends in the months to come.