He has emerged as the first key player revitalized by Chengdu Rongcheng’s new head coach, earning a spot in China’s U23 national team. With his form on the rise, his future looks highly promising.

China’s U23 national team has recently shown encouraging progress at the Xi’an Four-Nation Invitational Tournament, with head coach Antonio earning growing recognition for his leadership. As a result, the Chinese Football Association is reportedly inclined to retain him, with the possibility of assigning him a broader role, including leading the Asian Games squad.

Rumors had circulated suggesting that Philippe Troussier had received a lucrative offer to take over the U23 team, but these claims have since been denied. Based on current developments, Antonio’s position remains secure, supported by his consistent results and team progress.

On the player front, rising talent Liao Rongxiang from Chengdu Rongcheng has emerged as a standout. His strong performances this season have earned him a place in the U23 squad, where he has begun to gain valuable match experience.

Liao is a versatile attacking player capable of both scoring and creating chances. Since the arrival of head coach John Aloisi at club level, his development has accelerated, and he has responded with consistent performances.

For Liao, being selected for the U23 national team marks a significant milestone. Having previously struggled for national-team opportunities, he is now entering a crucial phase of growth. If he maintains his form, he could establish himself at the U23 level and potentially push for a senior national team call-up in the future.

Overall, the stability in coaching and the emergence of young talents signal a positive trajectory for China’s football development pipeline.