Foreign stars serve up CSL goalfest
Fellaini steals show but coaches Benitez and van Bronckhorst already licking their wounds after opening-round defeats
Foreign stars took center stage as the Chinese Super League returned last weekend with no fans in the stands but with a plentiful supply of goals.
Imported players accounted for 14 of the 30 goals netted over the eight opening-round games, with the feast of attacking soccer a welcome treat for fans starved of action since the league's original February start date was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite ongoing pandemic-related travel restrictions, the Chinese Football Association has secured the return of most of the league's foreign stars to China, with Marouane Fellaini the pick of the bunch over the weekend thanks to the Belgian's superb hat-trick for Shandong Luneng.
Fellaini's treble in the 3-2 win over Rafa Benitez's Dalian Pro saw the former Manchester United and Everton midfielder named MVP for the first round of games.
"Whether in our team or taking a look at any Asian side, Fellaini is a top-level striker or midfielder," said Luneng goalkeeper Han Rongze. "His ability is recognized by all of us. He always shares his experience with us during training."
The defeat was a reality check for Dalian boss Benitez, who has urged fans to be patient with his rebuilding project at the club.
"I'm changing the squad and bringing in young players, even if it's a risk. The competition is going to be difficult, because you have good teams with great foreigners and great Chinese players," Benitez, who returned to China in June, told CGTN.
"We want to win every game, but we know we cannot. We try to do our best in every game. If we are winning, you will say, 'Oh, Rafa is right.' If we are not winning, we keep trying and keep trying. I keep telling my players, if you make any mistakes, I'm OK with it and try again.
"We will try to bring in more young players, coach them properly and try to give them confidence. In two or three years, the team will be strong and the fans will be happy."