Players stand on the pitch prior to a match at SD Huesca's Estadio El Alcoraz, in Huesca, Spain. Photo: VCG

Since Chinese star forward Wu Lei's departure from Spain's LALIGA club Espanyol in ­August 2022, no other Chinese soccer player has been a part of the Spanish or any other major European soccer league. However, as a new crop of Chinese talents are set to make their debuts in European leagues, many more continue to nurture hopes of an overseas career. 

Former Chinese national U19 team goalkeeper Li Changyi signed a two-year contract with Spanish second-division club SD Huesca in July. Also, Chinese national youth team striker He Xiaoke made his debut recently after joining Spanish second-division club Andorra FC. 

Regarding the two young Chinese players embarking on the new adventure, Luca Sandron, representative of LALIGA China Office, hoped that more and more Chinese players will join the Spanish football league.

"Li's arrival will draw more attention from China to the Spanish league. We look forward to seeing more Chinese players to improve the level of competition of Spanish soccer, and ultimately promote the development of Chinese ­professionals," Sandron said at a recent media briefing for the beginning of the 2023-24 Spanish soccer season.

Sandron also cited South Korean attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in as an example. "Growing from Spanish club Valencia, Lee has ­become one of the best known Asian players," said Sandron. 

This summer, LALIGA reinforced its connection with Chinese fans as its Club Legend Tour set off a soccer frenzy in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Zhengzhou. LALIGA ambassadors Iker Casillas, Fernando Morientes, Luis Garcia, and Chinese star Wu Lei entertained the crowd in Shanghai with a soccer carnival.

As the first major European football league to bring its illustrious legends to China after the pandemic, LALIGA hoped to satisfy the eager anticipation of Chinese fans through the Legend Tour and offline activities.

In an exclusive interview with the Global Times, 20-year-old Li Changyi shared his overseas experiences, spoke of his career aspirations, and offered advice to young Chinese players looking to have an overseas career. 

As the national youth team's goalkeeper, Li has shown impressive saving skills and leadership in youth competitions. He started his Spanish career in 2019 and had a stint with San Fernando CD before joining SD Huesca. 

'Without hesitation'

Li told the Global Times that Huesca's admiration and plan for him prompted him to join the club. 

"The club contacted me this summer and attached importance to signing me. I made my decision ­without hesitation. My goal is to fight for a position in the main squad and earn more playing time in the new season," he said. "I want to establish myself in the European league and play in European competitions so that I can realize my dream of playing for the Chinese national team."  

Compared with the domestic league, the Spanish league is known for its emphasis on technique and ball possession. Li believes he has made progress in controlling the ball and improved his mental fortitude in his years in Spain. 

When the team is in possession of the ball, the goalkeeper is required to help the team with neat passing. On the occasion of high pressing - a collective and organized attempt ­employed by the opponents to win the ball high up the pitch - if the keeper is able to help with possession, the team has a numerical advantage in thwarting the press, he noted.

Compared to other positions, the fault tolerance rate of goalkeeper is relatively low. Goalkeepers need to build mental tenacity to cope with pressure. Spanish soccer requires the goalkeeper to pass the ball composedly against a pressing assault and help the team build up play from the back, he said. 

As to whether there is room for improvement, Li said that he need to gain match experience so as to better understand the tempo of the game. 

Advice to peers

In addition to technique and mental strength, language plays a vital role in helping a Chinese player adapt to a new environment. 

Li said that the biggest challenge for him was the language barrier as he couldn't understand the coach's tactics and was unable to communicate with teammates at the beginning of his Spanish career. 

Li advised his Chinese peers to master the language which helps in settling into the club. During the media briefing, Li easily spoke with club staff in Spanish. 

"We have excellent goalkeepers in China but language is essential in establishing yourself in a foreign league. As a goalkeeper you need to communicate with the defenders at all times, keeping everyone alert in games, and communicating with the coach," he said. 

Given the fierce competition in Europe, Li suggested that Chinese players develop a positive mentality. He also learned to maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay in good form. Adequate sleep, proper alimentation, and daily exercise are just some of the ways in which Li has been preparing himself for his debut in Huesca.

"An overseas career opens a window for you to learn the club's management philosophy, coach's tactics, and players' techniques. In the long run, these will accrue and translate to the development of Chinese soccer," he said.

Another two Chinese national youth team goalies are also currently plying their trade in Europe. With Liu Shaoziyang playing for Austrian club SV Ried and Li Hao joining Spanish club Atletico Madrid's academy in February, Chinese soccer is in dire need of more talents bound for ­overseas teams to open the windows of opportunities for Chinese soccer.