Russia World Cup finalist has nine CSL footballers

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A total of nine players contracted by Chinese Super League (CSL) among the 32-nations squad finalist will be competing at the Russia World Cup, according to FIFA's latest release on June 4.

The number marking a milestone in the foreign assistance of CSL, compared to six in Brazil World Cup four years ago, is under the spotlight when they participate in the world's biggest international football tournament every four years.

Belgium, who was drawn in Group G with England, Panama and Tunisia, have two midfielders from the CSL. They are Axel Witsel from Tianjin Quanjian and former Monaco and Atletico Madrid player Yannick Carrasco. Witsel joined Tianjin Quanjian in 2017 and Carrasco scored three goals in nine appearances since joining northeast China's Dalian Yifang last February.

Odion Ighalo of Nigeria in action during the International Friendly match between England and Nigeria at Wembley Stadium on June 2, 2018, in London, United Kingdom. /VCG Photo

CSL also produced two players for Super Eagles Nigeria. The 29-year-old striker Odion Ighalo, who moved from English Premier League side Watford to Changchun Yatai last year, joins Tianjin Teda midfielder John Obi Mikel, who played for Chelsea from 2006-2017, in the national team in Russia.

Hebei China Fortune's Javier Mascherano, who used to play for West Ham United, Liverpool and Barcelona, has made the Argentine team, who was beaten by Germany in the World Cup final in Rio four years ago.

Tianjin Midfielder Axel Witsel (C) in action during the AFC Champions League match between Guangzhou Evergrande and Tianjin Quanjian at the Tianhe Sports Centre Stadium on May 15, 2018, in Guangzhou, China. /VCG Photo

Beijing Guoan midfielder Renato Augusto, who had spells in Bayer Leverkusen and Corinthians, is the only CSL player to be selected into Brazil as former Chelsea striker Oscar and his Shanghai SIPG teammate Hulk were both left out of the star-studded five-time World Cup winners.

European champions Portugal also have one representative from the CSL in Jose Fonte, who joined Dalian Yifang in February for a reported fee of five million pounds (seven million U.S. dollars) after playing in the English Premier League for ten years in Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham United.

Guangzhou R&F's new signing Dusko Tosic has made the Serbia squad. The former Besiktas defender has played for his country for 23 matches and scored one goal.

Kim Younggwon, who won two Asian Champions League titles with Guangzhou Evergrande, will play his first World Cup with South Korea after leading his country to the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency