Asian Cup to Premier League - Greatness awaits China's U23 footballers

When China's U23 team made the final of the AFC Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January, it put a new generation of Chinese footballers in the global spotlight.

Could it be signs of Asia's dormant dragon finally awakening?

Millions tuned in across China to watch their team beat Vietnam 3-0 in the semi-final in Jeddah, and the celebrations rippled around the world.

It was the first time in 22 years a Chinese men's national team had reached the final of an international competition. When left-sided attacking player Wang Yudong posted a video of celebrations in the changing room, even Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr. joined the party.

He wasn't the only one. AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta praised defender Péng Xiào for his two goals in the tournament. Petr Czech of Chelsea fame asked goalkeeper and rising star Li Hao for a pair of signed gloves, and former England star Michael Owen commented "impressive work lads."

Despite losing the final 4-0 to Japan, Chinese football had something to celebrate.

Chinese football on the rise

To find out more, CGTN spoke to the team's Spanish coach Antonio Puche, who guided his squad to the final.

"It was just crazy - a fantastic experience," he said. "They told me millions of people were watching, following the team, to be able to bring some joy to so many people was something really special."

Puche predicted even better things for Chinese football and he should know. Turning pro at 16 in Spain he shared a pitch with greats like Hugo Sanchez and Emilio Butragueño.

Puche has been playing or coaching for 40 years, and after eight years coaching China's underage national teams, he's thrilled about the future.

"The infrastructure investment from the government has been huge," he added. "They've built incredible stadiums, grassroots training pitches are popping up everywhere. It's also been established as a subject at schools too so you see kids playing football in schoolyards, just playing - that's so important."

Premier League hotshot

If he had to choose one positive attribute he's experienced from years coaching Chinese footballers, he says it's discipline, and now coach Puche wants to see more young Chinese talents playing in Europe.

A fine example is U23 defensive midfielder Xu Bin who has signed for Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers and will continue to learn his trade at League One side Barnsley FC on loan.

"Xu can help show the way so that more Chinese players can come to Europe. I think there are Chinese footballers playing at a really high level, talented, energetic, enthusiastic," Puche said.

Another hero of the U23 team in Jeddah, goalkeeper Li Hao, nicknamed 'Saint Li' and the 'Great Wall', also spent years training in Madrid at the old Evergrande Academy.

"The next generation coming up, the 2005/2006 generation is seriously talented - they are extraordinary," Puche said.

"We now need to set objectives. Qualifying for the next Olympics at Los Angeles 2028 is one of them, and then for the next World Cup in 2030 that will be played partly in Spain."