In the history of Chinese football, the experience of young players staying abroad is often seen as an opportunity for glory and promotion. However, the transfer of 18-year-old Du Yuezheng may reflect a different reality. The former Chinese Super League striker, who has played 40 Super League games, recently joined Portugal's amateur side Pondivagus Juniors. This team belongs to Portugal's fifth division and is far from a competition at the professional level.
According to Du Yuezheng in a recent interview, he has completed the transfer procedures and officially became a member of the Pondi Vargus Youth Power Team. Although this transfer has provided him with more opportunities to play, such a level and environment seems to be a bit of a sigh compared to his previous stage in the Chinese Super League. As a popular star in the Olympic team, his talent and potential should have been honed at a higher level in the league.
This situation can't help but make people think about the cultivation and management mechanism of Chinese football. Why would a young striker who has already shown obvious strength in the Chinese Super League choose to join a low-level amateur team? Is it because of the lack of sufficient career development opportunities, or because the domestic football environment does not support the growth and promotion of young people? This phenomenon is to a large extent a reflection of the possible problems in the cultivation and utilization of talents in Chinese football.
In addition, the transfer could also have a profound impact on Du's career. While playing in a lower league may allow him more playing time, it may also limit his chances of facing high-level opponents, which is a huge challenge for his technical and tactical understanding. In the long run, he will need to find ways to improve himself in a less competitive environment.
The football environment at home and abroad is crucial for the development of young players. The relevant authorities of Chinese football may need to reflect on how to create a more suitable development path for young talents such as Du Yuezheng, and how to enable these potential young players to find a more suitable competitive platform at home and abroad through institutional and policy support, rather than allowing their talents to be buried in the lower leagues. This is a key link for Chinese football to catch up with advanced countries on the global football stage. (Lao Qiu Super League Ball Review)