Chen Pu Faces Criticism: Why Did Shao Jiayi Still Insist on Selecting Him? An Objective Factor Cannot Be Ignored

After 914 days, Shandong Taishan player Chen Pu has once again been included in the national team training squad, marking exactly two and a half years since his previous appearance in a national-level training group.

The long absence led many outside observers to believe that Chen Pu's national team career had effectively ended. However, his sudden call-up by Shao Jiayi came as a surprise and immediately triggered widespread doubts and criticism. Public opinion generally believes that Chen Pu has been average in the Chinese Super League this season, with inconsistent form and limited mental qualities, and that he does not deserve a national team selection.

Despite the ongoing controversy, Shao Jiayi chose to go against public opinion and insist on selecting Chen Pu. Why would Shao Jiayi call up Chen Pu, who has performed only moderately in the Chinese Super League? The author believes this was neither an impulsive decision nor a random selection, but rather a consideration based on the team's current practical needs and closely related to Chen Pu's technical characteristics.

Chen Pu is known for having outstanding off-ball movement among domestic wide players. He is good at making runs down the flank, attacking the penalty area for chances, and finishing from late arrivals. His inclusion can add variety to the team's wide attacking methods and fits China's fast-counterattack tactical system. This is the first reason.

Secondly, Chen Pu has solid left-foot technique and good crossing accuracy. He can adapt to multiple wide positions such as wing midfielder and winger, giving him strong tactical flexibility. Compared with younger players who lack major tournament experience and have unstable performances under pressure, Chen Pu has played in the Chinese Super League for a long time, understands the domestic competition rhythm, and has previously been selected for the national team multiple times with international match experience. He can quickly integrate into the training system without a lengthy adjustment period and directly fill the shortage of wide options for the national team.

In addition, Chen Pu has strong fitness, covers a large running area, and can complete basic defensive recovery and support duties. He can contribute on both offense and defense, matching the national team's current practical tactical needs. Although he has weaknesses in individual ball-carrying breakthroughs and may be limited in high-intensity positional attacks, under the current shortage of available national team personnel, he is considered the most suitable reinforcement option balancing practicality and stability.

Of course, another objective factor that cannot be ignored is that the U23 national team has called up many strong national team players for the Asian Games, including Zhang Yuning, Wang Yudong, Yang Xi, Baihelamu, Yang Haoyu and others, leaving Shao Jiayi with limited choices. Therefore, with few available options, Zhang Yuning had to settle for the next choice and select Chen Pu.

In summary, the reasons behind Chen Pu's selection are complicated, involving both his own technical characteristics and the shortage of available national team options. However, although Chen Pu has received the call-up, if he fails to meet Shao Jiayi's requirements during the national team training camp, he could still be dropped by Shao Jiayi. His next step will depend on his own performance.