Charlton Athletic's Zheng Zhi, left, fails
to win the ball from Reading's Seol Ki-Hyeon during their English Premier League
soccer match at the Valley stadium, London, Monday April 9, 2007. The two sides
draw 0-0. [AP]
China skipper Zheng Zhi has been named Charlton Athletic's player of
March as overwhelmingly gaining 94 percent of votes among 1,520
fans.
On loan to relegation-threatened Charlton, Zheng Zhi nicknamed ZZ
rekindled fans' hopes to stay in the English Premier League by helping his team win over
Newcastle and Wigan in two successive games in March. Zheng was voted players
of both matches.
Having played his part in the comeback at Vicarage Road, he took centre stage
for the 2-0 win over Newcastle United. In a pulsating second half Zheng was
first to react after Darren Bent's free kick came back off the underside of the
bar, heading home to give the Addicks a deserved lead.
He followed that late on with a jinking run in the box, denied only by Shay
Given in the Magpies goal. With the 90 minutes almost up he was still full of
running and committed Nolberto Solano to a clumsy challenge. Jerome Thomas
despatched the spot kick to wrap up the points for Charlton.
After losing to Everton 1-2, Charlton with 32 points ranked 18th in the table
, two points behind Sheffield United in the drop zone. This weekend Charlton is
meeting Sheffield at home, seeing as a life and death game for both sides to
avoid demotion.
About Zheng Zhi
Zheng started his career as defender, but now plays as a midfielder. He is
also captain of the Chinese national team.
Zheng is known for his work ethic and ball control skills. He is a solid
defender, capable organizer in the mid-field, and also serves as a viable option
as a striker. He is often regarded as the best Chinese footballer of his
generation.
He joined Charlton Athletic on loan on December 29, 2006 until the end of the
season, with Charlton having an option to buy him.
He scored 21 goals for Shandong Luneng as they won the national league title
earlier this year.