No.003 2008.03 
ZHENG Zhi
ZHENG Zhi’s global spirit and attacking abilities have begun to shine in Europe |
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ZHENG Zhi (right) continues to score from mid-field.He has won praise from his teammates.
A lot of Chinese football fan’s thoughts switched to Charlton Athletic (England’s 2nd division) mid-fielder and Team China captain ZHENG Zhi following the East Asian Football Federation Championship Finals 2008 where China PR lost all three of their matches versus opposition such as Japan and Korea Rep. In Round 3 of qualifications for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 versus Iraq on New Year’s Eve of the lunar calendar (Feb 6th) ZHENG Zhi scored a second half goal to tie the scores at 1-1 before leaving the squad to rejoin his club side.
In the 2006-2007 season ZHENG Zhi adjusted to England’s playing style whilst on a 6 month loan to Charlton before moving there for good in the summer of 2007 and instantly becoming one of the team’s key players. He was the team captain in their English FA Cup fixture. Additionally he met with British Prime Minister Gordon BROWN as a representative of Chinese people living in Britain. His nervousness was apparent as he stood in front of the Prime Minister and fumbled out some words in English, but this has no relation to his style when he plays for his team.
Even though ZHENG Zhi will not go down in the records as having been January’s 2 Division MVP it should be noted that he made it to the final four nominations. His performances in January certainly demonstrated his worth. In the February 16th home match versus Watford FC (England 2nd division) he was selected as the game’s MVP in a fan vote. For the whole month of February he was ranked 5th in a poll of all 2nd division players in England with 472 points. For mid-fielders he came in third behind Stoke City FC’s Liam LAWRENCE and Cardiff City FC’s Paul PARRY, he was the highest ranking player in his team. Famous English football magazine “Four Four Two” listed his name amongst their top 50 players to watch outside the Premiership.
ZHENG Zhi recorded two goals in a comprehensive 4-1 win over Blackpool FC and Charlton coach Alan PARDEW said jokingly at a press conference after the game “With the winter transfer window still open I don’t want him scoring any more goals”. After that ZHENG Zhi seemed to follow his coach’s instructions and didn't score too many more goals but for the 2007-2008 as of February 29th he had already collected 9 in total with 7 in league matches and 2 in cup games and is third in terms of goals scored for his team, ranking him amongst the strikers. Looking at his numbers in terms of matches played in the 2007-2008 season he ranks 2nd in the team after goalkeeper Nicky WEAVER with 35 appearances (32 league, 3 cup as of Feb 29th). There were concerns that he would miss 4 club matches due to his 10 day national team commitment at the start of February but at this stage it doesn't seem to have affected him too much.
Charlton’s coach Alan PARDEW said of ZHENG Zhi’s abilities “He is very calm, and is very good at reading the rhythm of the game. He is adaptable and is gifted in both attack and defense and can play in a variety of positions”. He went on to say “His attacking ability especially stands out” raising expectations that the talented goal scorer may move into a striker role. Actually he has experience playing as a forward both for his Chinese club and for the Chinese national team and in the 2006 season of the CSL (China Super League) he scored 21 goals in 30 matches to finish 2nd top scorer. From this perspective, ZHENG Zhi can be viewed as a “utility player” in the mould of Ruud GULLIT, able to play any position except goalie. But the biggest reason he is valued at Charlton is that he always puts the team’s needs ahead of his own. ZHENG Zhi appeared on the Charlton website just after he was signed saying “Scoring goals in really fun. But the most important thing for me is helping to control the game for my team from mid-field. Honestly speaking, I don't really pay attention to the golden boot competition. I would rather set up the strikers. And provide a boost for the entire team. I want to become a player who connects the defensive and front lines”.
24th November, 2007. ZHENG Zhi scores against Preston North End.
Since former captain Andy REED left, 33 year old Ireland player Matt HOLLAND has taken over as captain. REED often wanted to be the one to provide assists but now the new captain would rather let the skillful ZHENG Zhi fulfill this function as he defends at the back. He said of ZHENG Zhi, who has battled by his side for a year now “ZHENG Zhi is like an engine that could go forever. He is currently our team’s best attacker. He can score so many goals from mid-field as well as play in various positions. We noticed his attacking ability last year but we never suspected he would score 9 goals”.
Liverpool FC (England 1st division) mid-fielder Steven GERRARD is the latest generation of captain of new coach Fabio CAPELLO’s England national side. HOLLAND describes ZHENG Zhi as Charlton and China PR’s GERRARD saying “We are a team that plays using teamwork. ZHENG Zhi can play in the middle and provide assists as well as play in defense”. His star quality has led some people to describe him as China’s David BECKHAM. “I don't think so. I’m not a superstar” he said in reply to that statement. He even has a humble attitude.
ZHENG Zhi’s objective for this season is clear. “I definitely want to help Charlton make it back into the Premiership”. His team is 10 points behind 2nd division leaders Stoke City and are sitting in 6th place (as of Feb 29th). He goes into each match knowing a lot of the responsibility rests upon him as Charlton’s most expensive player (2 million pounds). That’s why he is only thinking of Charlton winning. The attacking ability of China PR’s “jack of all trades mid-fielder” must come to the fore nearing the end of the season if he is to lead this proud English club, who won the FA Cup in the 1946-47 season, to promotion to the top flight.
＜Profile＞
Mid-fielder ZHENG Zhi
Born on 20th August 1980 in China’s Liaoning province. Entered Shenzhou Anli Health in 2001 (now called Shenzhou Shangqing Drinks). In 2002 he was named the CSL’s MVP. Moved to Shandong Luneng in 2005. Helped his team claim the league title in 2006 scoring 21 goals. Transferred to England’s 1st division team Charlton on loan in January 2007. Scored his first league goal versus Newcastle in March of that year. Then in August made a full transfer to Charlton. He currently wears the ace’s number 10 for the Chinese national team. 181cm, 72 kgs.
Text by HU Jiangbo