New boss, new blood, same goals

Fresh faces

Among the most notable changes is the goalkeeping roster. Veteran Yan Junling remains the mainstay, but two fresh faces join him: Yu Jinyong of Shandong Taishan and Xue Qinghao of Shanghai Shenhua.

Yu, in particular, has made headlines this season. Thrown into action during Shandong's season opener after starter Wang Dalei was sent off, the young keeper delivered five spectacular saves in 67 minutes to secure Man of the Match honor.

Though he's made only three senior club appearances this season, his standout showings with the U21 national team have earned him a senior call-up.

There are also midfield reinforcements in the form of two debutants: 19-year-old Kuai Jiwen from Shanghai Port and 25-year-old Liao Jintao from Dalian Yingbo.

Both are considered rising stars in the domestic league, and are joined by returning veterans Xu Xin, Ba Dun and Gao.

"I'm very happy to be selected," said Kuai. "It's a great chance to learn from the senior players. I'm gradually adapting to the league level, but still, there's much to improve."

In contrast to the 2022 East Asian Cup — where China placed third under former head coach Aleksandar Jankovic — this year's campaign carries different weight.

While results still matter, the tournament is seen primarily as a proving ground for the national team's next core.

Under Djurdjevic's direction, this blend of rising stars and seasoned players represents more than a squad — it signals the start of a new era.

The road to 2030 doesn't start in the spotlight of World Cup qualifying games. It begins here: on the training pitches of Dalian and the stadiums of South Korea, where China's next generation begins its journey to reach soccer's promised land.

Jiang Xinyu contributed to this story.

liyingxue@chinadaily.com.cn