September 10: China Asian Games Team Makes Further Changes as Li Xinxiang and Zhang Zhixiong Join

With the Asian Games approaching, the China Asian Games team squad has changed again. Shanghai Port's Li Xinxiang and Chongqing Tonglianglong's Zhang Zhixiong were urgently called up. The team gathered at the Xianghe training base, and the coaching staff has been busy refining the Asian Games squad after the two players joined.

Li Xinxiang has performed well in the Chinese Super League this season. With his dribbling and breakthroughs on the wing, defenders can easily lose track of him, allowing him to cut into the penalty area from the flank. The youngster has a strong sense of positioning in front of goal and can often turn chances into goals, adding more variety to the team's attack.

The cost comes in the AFC Champions League Elite competition. Shanghai Port will compete in the AFC Champions League, and Li Xinxiang's departure means the club loses a key player capable of challenging opponents' defensive lines from the wing. By releasing him for the Asian Games, Shanghai Port showed clear support for national team duties.

Zhang Zhixiong plays as a defensive midfielder for Chongqing Tonglianglong. He has a tough style of play, and wherever there is a physical battle on the pitch, he is often involved. He covers a large area, and opponents trying to break through the middle usually have to get past him first.

This is the type of player the team needs, someone who can withstand pressure and win challenges. Zhang Zhixiong and Li Zhenquan have played together frequently and understand each other's movement patterns. With the two in midfield, the efficiency of defensive transitions improves significantly.

Looking at the group, North Korea, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates are all difficult opponents. North Korea plays with an aggressive style and covers a lot of ground; Iran has strong physical qualities and does not lose out in duels; the UAE's technical combinations can also cause problems.

The current China Asian Games team has several players with national team-level ability, and with veteran Wu Xi providing experience, the framework of the squad has taken shape. However, in the group matches, one lapse in defense or a decline in midfield interception intensity could result in conceding goals.

The Asian Games are not only about the results of this tournament, but also provide preparation for the next World Cup qualifiers. The running and competitive spirit of this group of young players will influence the future ceiling of Chinese football in the coming years.

The coaching staff's decision to call up these two players shows that some positions in the current squad were not fully settled, or that defensive stability in certain areas had not yet reached the desired level. Li Xinxiang's addition is aimed at increasing speed, while Zhang Zhixiong's addition is aimed at stopping opponents' counterattacks.

In my view, if this team can perfect its defensive counterattacking style, advancing from the group should not be a major issue. Many people focus on goals, but in this Asian Games, the quality of midfield interceptions may be the key factor determining how far the team can go. If Zhang Zhixiong can handle the midfield sweeping duties, Li Xinxiang will have opportunities to create space on the wing.

If this squad cannot finish in the top four at the Asian Games, the confidence of this group of players could be affected. After all, the home atmosphere of the Asian Games brings real pressure for these young players.

What do you think the starting lineup of the China Asian Games team should look like after Li Xinxiang and Zhang Zhixiong join? If you were choosing, where would you place Wu Xi to maximize the defensive counterattacking potential of this squad?