The absence of Liu Yang and Wang Tong in the fierce battle at the top of Taishan was like a bolt from the blue, which had a profound impact on the team's strategic layout. According to the latest information, they did not travel with the team to Kawasaki, Japan, to prepare for the second round of the AFC Champions League 1/8 final. This decision may be closely related to their health status. Wang Tong is still on the road to recovery, while Liu Yang is far from his peak. It will be a tough test for Taishan to lose two of their core players in this crucial clash.
The absence of Liu Yang and Wang Tong not only disrupts the team's tactical system, but in the fiercely competitive soccer field, persistent injuries and poor form may lead to the player's position. In the face of Taishan's emphasis on lineup adjustments and the development of young players, the team's stable play and sustained contributions in key positions have become especially critical. This situation is even more pronounced with Liu Yang and Wang Tong failing to travel with the team. Wu Xinghan, a player who can play as a winger as well as a midfielder, and even as a left back, is a unique player in the league with his excellent defensive ability, and can be called a weapon in defense against foreigners. However, as Shandong fans, for Liu Yang's absence, the heart is inevitably lost.
According to reliable sources, Peng Xinli has also not traveled with Shandong Taishan to Kawasaki, Japan, which seems to suggest that he is pessimistic about the team's future prospects. Insiders have revealed that more and more strong players are emerging in Taishan's starting lineup, such as Li Yuanyi, Liao Lisheng, Huang Zhengyu and other mid-generation players, as well as young talents such as Abdu and Jia Feifan. In such fierce competition, Peng Xinli's position was severely challenged. In addition, his failure to play in this crucial AFC Champions League match further suggests that his position in the team may be gradually marginalized. Combining all these factors, it seems unlikely that Peng Xinli will stay in the team next season. He may need to seek new challenges and opportunities. As for Peng Xinli, his direct communication with Choi Kang-hee in the midfield tactics may leave the team along with Bi Jinhao. Looking back at 2022, Peng Xinli played 24 matches for Shanghai Shenhua, scoring just one goal. By January 6, 2024, Shanghai Shenhua announced that they would not renew Peng Xinli's contract. It seems that Cui Kangxi did not fully consider the introduction of Bi Jinhao and Peng Xinli when he was considering them. Despite the fact that both teams gave their all on the pitch and even scored a goal, there is still a gap between their overall strength and Shandong Taishan.
