Started seven consecutive games, scored seven goals, and continued to contribute accurate assists, the No. 7 player
Wu Lei (1979-), Chinese footballer
In the Chinese team in the 40 strong match is undoubtedly the most dazzling star, is the team deservedly "sea god pin". As the team traveled to West Asia, Wu Lei's future path has become the focus of fans' attention.
It is reported that if all goes well, Wu Lei will leave Dubai, UAE, with the main players of the national team on the evening of June 16 local time and return to Shanghai, after which he will stay in the isolation hotel in Suzhou to receive medical observation and closed training. After the end of the isolation, he will have a short rest, and then again departed for Spain. In fact, Wu Lei's recent outstanding performance is largely due to his experience in La Liga and La Liga B. Staying in the ocean is not only Wu Lei's firm choice, but also a bright light to inspire more young domestic players to pursue progress.
Of the 29 players in this year's Top 40, Wu Lei is the only player, other than goalkeeper Yan Junling, who has started all seven matches consecutively. His ability has not only been recognized by the national team and coaching staff, but also highly evaluated by the media and fans through the recent three Top 40 matches. After veteran captain Zheng Zhi quit the national team, Wu Lei has undoubtedly become the new leader of the national soccer team.
In the seven Top 40 matches that have been played, Wu Lei has scored in all six matches except for his failure to score against the Philippines, especially in the matches against Guam and China-Philippines, where he scored the key goals to his team's victories. After more than two seasons in the Spanish professional league, Wu Lei's psychological quality is stronger, the use of technology is more pure, he can score goals, but also like a scalpel as accurate assists, tearing the opponent's defense. The all-round Wu Lei brings more hope for the national soccer team.
Wu Lei's outstanding performance further proves the importance and necessity of domestic players to stay in the world. As the only international player currently playing in a mainstream European professional league, will Wu Lei continue to play for Espanyol next? At present, the answer is almost certain. On the one hand, Wu Lei's excellent play in the Top 40 has added weight to his competition in the new season for the Spaniards. On the other hand, the national team needs Wu Lei to maintain a good state of mind in order to cope with the upcoming more intense competition in the Top 12. Wu Lei's perseverance is of great significance for the long-term development of both the individual and the national team.
According to the plan, the national football team will leave the United Arab Emirates on a chartered flight later on June 16th local time and is expected to arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport later on June 17th Beijing time. The team will return to Suzhou on the 18th at the earliest after undergoing inspection and quarantine observation at the designated quarantine address, and will stay at the team's residence at the Taihu Xianggu Li Hotel. According to the epidemic prevention regulations, the whole team will undergo quarantine observation according to the cycle of "14 + 7". It is expected that the team will be released from quarantine on July 8th.
Wu Lei will also return home with the whole team. After the quarantine is over, he will probably return to his home in Shanghai to rest for a few days before returning to Spain to take part in the club team's preparations. Known information shows that Wu Lei renewed his contract with Espanyol last year, which will expire in 2024. At the moment, it seems that Wu Lei has no intention of returning to his home country to play soccer. As long as the Chinese team succeeds in advancing to the Top 12, Wu Lei will return to play for the national team in due course according to the schedule.
