Special Interview with Alaves forward Yan Yiming

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A look at a player that could be part of China's future. Yan Yiming's career began with Beijing Guoan. But the youth's prospect was snapped up by Spanish side Atletico Madrid four years ago. He’s since moved to La Liga side Alaves but that has not dimmed his ambitions.

Vitoria-Gasteiz is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Spain. But one of the city’s newest residents hopes to make an impact way beyond the borders of the Basque area. Yan Yiming is one of China’s brightest football prospects. After a spell with Atletico Madrid, the 19-year-old joined Alaves ahead of the new season.

“I arrived here in Spain to play for Atletico Madrid and the difference with Chinese football was huge. Atletico is a great team and that experience made me want to try harder so I could play in Spain,” Yan said.

La Liga’s Alaves signed a 3-year deal with Yan Yiming in June. /CGTN Photo

Yan is one of the first players to be based on the newly opened residence of the Beskonia-Alaves group. Although he’s been based in Spain for four years, he keeps a close watch on the development of the game in China.

“China is getting better now because we have top players in the Chinese Super League like Oscar and Hulk. But also, children have started playing at school and that’s making Chinese football improve. I can be a role model for other Chinese players, I have to work harder so other players can look at me and follow my steps.” Yan said.

Yan has already played at Under 19 level for China, and his next goal is to play at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

He hopes to make the most of his opportunities and to achieve his goal of taking China's football to the next level.

“I’m at Alaves Academy right now but my dream is to be in the first team because Alaves is a good team in La Liga. So I want to reach the first team of Alaves and also play with China in a World Cup, that’s my dream.” Yan said.