September 8: New Updates Emerge on Jia Yi Shao and Gao Tianyi for China National Team

In June 2024, during the World Cup qualifiers against Thailand, Gao Tianyi was substituted by Ivan in the 29th minute. After the match, Ivan only said, "He was not very adapted to the pace of the game." After that, he disappeared from the China national team squad. More than a year later, on the evening of September 6, 2026, in the 26th round of the Chinese Super League, Shanghai Shenhua played away against Chongqing Tonglianglong.

In the 8th minute after kickoff, Gao Tianyi received Manafa's long pass and made a volleyed cross into the middle, where Asue finished the move. Three minutes later, Wu Xi took a shot from outside the penalty area, and the ball deflected off Gao Tianyi before going into the net. Within eight minutes, one assist and one goal gave Shenhua a 2-0 lead.

The match ended 3-1.

Gao Tianyi, the player Ivan gave up on after only 29 minutes, received the highest rating of the match.

Why did Ivan not use him back then? There was only one reason — defense.

Against Thailand in the World Cup qualifiers, Gao Tianyi's marking was not tight enough, allowing Thailand to seize the opportunity and score. Ivan was furious on the spot and substituted him directly in the 29th minute, later publicly criticizing him after the match. From then on, Gao Tianyi was never included in Ivan's squad again.

Simply put, Ivan's diamond midfield system had no room for players with defensive weaknesses.

But Jia Yi Shao did not see it that way.

In January 2026, Jia Yi Shao officially became head coach of the China national team. On March 20, he announced his first training camp squad after taking charge, and Gao Tianyi's name was included. The selection criteria were clear — technical ability came first. Dai Weijun returned, and Gao Tianyi returned as well. Both were technical midfielders who had been marginalized during Ivan's tenure.

Jia Yi Shao was not seeking players who could all defend; he wanted players who could pass the ball.

And Gao Tianyi was exactly the player who could provide that passing ability.

After 26 rounds of this Chinese Super League season, Gao Tianyi has made 25 appearances. His nine assists rank third on the league assist chart, behind Yunnan Yukun's Jonica (12 assists) and Zhejiang FC's Mitrita (11 assists). However, among domestic players, he is the assist leader, three ahead of the second-ranked Zhang Yuning (six assists).

Two goals and nine assists, directly contributing to 11 goals. All of these figures set a new personal single-season Chinese Super League high.

After Milos Milojevic took over Shenhua, he made one change — moving Gao Tianyi into the position usually occupied by Teixeira. Wang Haijian handled defensive coverage behind him, while Gao Tianyi focused on organizing attacks. The effect was immediate. After the match, coach Milo said directly: "Gao Tianyi's tactical role in the team is very important."

In August, Gao Tianyi reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Shenhua. He also recorded one goal and one assist in that match.

Gao Tianyi himself knows what people outside have said about him. After the match against Chongqing Tonglianglong, he said in an interview: "The past week was very difficult, but I never stopped believing in myself."

A player who was publicly criticized by his former head coach, substituted after 29 minutes, and then left out from that point onward.

A player who was recalled by his current head coach, moved into a key role, and became the top assist provider among domestic players.

The same player, different coaches, completely different fortunes.

Ivan saw a marking mistake. Jia Yi Shao saw nine assists.