The impermanence of the football world and the fate of naturalized players
In the ever-changing world of football, the fate of players is often full of drama. Their careers have been a journey of ups and downs, sometimes to the top, sometimes to the lows. Recently, such a thought-provoking scene has been staged in the Chinese football world: Fernando, who was once known as the naturalized ace of the national football team, fell into an embarrassing situation after transferring to Shanghai Shenhua. This incident not only sparked a discussion about the personal choices of players, but also reflected the many problems existing in Chinese football in terms of naturalization policy and talent training.
Fernando's dilemma: from the shining star to the figure on the bench
Fernando, the wide fast horse from Brazil, has conquered the Chinese Super League with his incredible speed and sharp breakthrough ability. During his time with Shandong Taishan (formerly Shandong Luneng), he proved his worth with wonderful performances again and again, and was successfully selected for the Chinese national team and became one of the representative figures after the implementation of the naturalization policy. However, the wheels of fate are always turning. When he chose to leave the familiar Shandong and join Shanghai Shenhua, he probably never imagined that a difficult time would await him.
After joining Shenhua on loan, Fernando seemed to be lost in the bustling cosmopolitan city. In recent games, he has been on the bench for the most part. Even if there is an opportunity to play, it is often in "garbage time" near the end of the game and the outcome is decided. From the main international player to the fringe of the club, such a gap has undoubtedly brought huge psychological pressure to Fernando.
The reasons for this situation are manifold. First of all, Shenhua coach Slutsky's tactical system may not fit Fernando's characteristics well. Secondly, there is a lot of competition within the team, and Fernando needs time to adapt to the new environment and integrate into the new team. In addition, injury distress may also be a factor in their performance. In any case, the once naturalized star is now reduced to a dispensable role in the club, and such a change can't help but make people sigh.
Pros and Cons of Naturalization Policies: Short-Term Effects and Long-Term Effects
Fernando's experience has triggered people's in-depth thinking about China's football naturalization policy. The naturalization of foreign players was originally an expedient measure to quickly improve the strength of the national team. However, the implementation of this policy has been mixed.
On the positive side, the introduction of good naturalized players has indeed enhanced the competitiveness of the national team in the short term. The addition of players such as Exxon and Luo Guofu has brought new vitality to the offensive line of the Chinese team. Not only did they contribute to the goal, but they also influenced their homegrown teammates with their professionalism and game experience.
However, there are also significant drawbacks to naturalization policies. First, over-reliance on naturalised players could squeeze the growth space of young homegrown players. Secondly, due to differences in cultural background, language, etc., the integration between naturalized and native players takes time, and sometimes even affects the overall atmosphere of the team. In addition, some naturalized players may not be able to continue to play for the national team due to various reasons (such as injuries, ups and downs in form, etc.) after being selected for the national team, which causes a waste of talent resources.
The most important thing is that the naturalization policy is difficult to fundamentally solve the problem of Chinese football. It is more like a shot in the arm, which can boost the morale of the team in the short term, but in the long run, cultivating local talents and improving the youth training system is the fundamental way for the sustainable development of Chinese football.
The importance of career planning: Players need to make informed decisions
Fernando's case also highlights the importance of career planning for footballers. In the modern football industry, players not only need to have great performances on the field, but also know how to manage their careers. Every transfer, every contract, can have a profound impact on a player's future.
For Fernando, the decision to switch from Shandong to Shenhua was clearly a mistake. In Shandong, he is the heart of the team and has a steady playing time, which creates favorable conditions for him to be selected for the national team. After coming to Shenhua, he had to adapt to the new environment and tactical system, which undoubtedly increased the difficulty for him to keep his position in the national team.
This lesson teaches us that players should not only consider immediate benefits when making professional decisions. They need to fully evaluate a variety of factors, including but not limited to:
1. Whether the team's tactical style suits their characteristics
2. The manager's employment philosophy
3. Competition within the team
4. Whether it will help you to be selected for the national team
5. Non-football factors such as urban environment, quality of life, etc
Only by making a wise career plan can players maximize their potential and achieve sustainable career development.
National team building: how to balance short-term goals with long-term planning
Fernando's poor situation at club level will inevitably affect his status in the national team. This is not only a personal loss for him, but also brings new challenges to the construction of the national team.
The Chinese men's football team has been seeking breakthroughs in recent years, but the results have always been unsatisfactory. Against this backdrop, balancing short-term goals and long-term planning has become a tricky one. To some extent, the naturalization policy reflects the eagerness of the Football Association to quickly improve its strength through "bringing in". However, as Fernando's example shows, this approach is not foolproof.
For the national team, building a truly competitive team requires systematic work, including but not limited to:
1. Talent echelon construction: It is necessary to establish a sound youth training system to continuously deliver talents for the national team.
2. Continuity of the tactical system: The tactical style cannot be changed frequently because of the change of the head coach, and a relatively stable technical and tactical system is required.
3. Mental quality training: Improve the mental quality and mental quality of players, so that they can play well in major competitions.
4. Scientific selection and employment: according to the tactical needs and the characteristics of the players, the lineup should be reasonably matched, rather than blindly pursuing "big-name" players.
5. Broaden international perspectives: Encourage more young players to go to overseas leagues to learn advanced football concepts and training methods.
6. Optimization of the professional environment: improve the league environment, improve the quality of the game, and create a good soil for the growth of players.
Naturalized players can play an important complementary role in this process, but should not be the main reliance. A truly strong team is always built on the basis of local talent.
The future of Chinese football: patience and persistence are required
Fernando's experience reflects the many challenges facing Chinese football from one side. But we should not be discouraged by this. In fact, many of the world's football powers have gone through a long process of accumulation and precipitation.
Take, for example, the current world champions, Argentina, who have experienced a 36-year title drought after winning the title in 1986. During this time, they experienced numerous failures and doubts, but they always stuck to their football philosophy, continued to develop new talents, and finally reached the top of the world again in 2022.
The rise of Japan and Korea has also given Chinese football a lot of inspiration. The two neighbouring countries have been systematically developing football since the 90s of the last century, and after more than 20 years of hard work, they have now become the leading force in Asian football, and have also performed well in the World Cup.
These examples tell us that there is no shortcut to the rise of a football power, and what is needed is long-term investment, scientific planning and unremitting efforts. For Chinese football, the top priorities are:
1. Improve the youth training system: increase investment in grassroots football and establish a sound youth training network across the country.
2. Improve the quality of the league: further standardize the professional league, attract more outstanding players and coaches, and improve the spectacle and competitive level of the game.
3. Cultivating local coaches: Strengthen the training of local coaches, improve their coaching skills, and gradually reduce the dependence on foreign coaches.
4. Promote school football: Introduce football to schools, cultivate young people's interest in football, and lay the foundation for future talent pool.
5. Establish a scientific talent evaluation system: not only pay attention to the immediate performance of players, but also pay attention to their potential and sustainable development ability.
6. Strengthen international exchanges: Encourage more Chinese players to go global, and at the same time introduce advanced football concepts and management experience.
Conclusion: Find hope in setbacks and seek development in challenges
Fernando's story is like a mirror, reflecting the problems on the road of Chinese football. But at the same time, it also shows us the way forward. In today's globalized world, football is not only a sport, but also a cultural phenomenon and a manifestation of a country's soft power.
For the people of Fernando, the current predicament is both a test and an opportunity. If he can adjust his mindset and try to adapt to the new environment, it is still possible to prove his worth again in the future. For Chinese football, the gains and losses of the naturalization policy, the development of professional leagues, the construction of national teams and other issues require us to face them with a more open and rational attitude.
Football is a sport that requires time and patience. Momentary setbacks should not be a reason for us to give up, on the contrary, it should be a motivation for us to self-reflect and keep improving. Only by sticking to the dream and being down-to-earth can Chinese football truly prosper and occupy a place on the world football stage.
In this process, we need not only the struggle of the players, the wisdom of the coaches, but also the support and understanding of the whole society. Let us work together for a better future for Chinese football. I believe that in the near future, we will eventually see Chinese football shine brightly and add a touch of Chinese red to world football.