Shandong Taishan’s foreign striker, Cressan, recently spoke about the possibility of being naturalized for the Chinese national team. He stated that he will meet the naturalization requirements next year and, from a personal perspective, is very happy playing in China and feels fully adapted. If the national team coach has the idea, he would consider it.
Cressan’s words were no longer a hint but a clear declaration. From the perspective of individual ability and tactical fit, is Cressan worth naturalizing?
Born in July 1996, Cressan is now 29 years old and at the peak of his career. If naturalized, he could serve the national team for at least three to five years. His five years playing in China likely foster a stronger sense of belonging.
In terms of personal skill, standing at 1.91 meters tall and playing as a striker, Cressan can effectively play a target role up front, leveraging his physical advantages. He also possesses the individual attacking attributes of a winger, such as excellent footwork, dribbling, and the ability to pull wide.
As of the 11th round of the 2026 Chinese Super League season, he has made 113 league appearances for Taishan, scoring 68 goals and providing 30 assists. These numbers fully demonstrate his versatility as both a scorer and a playmaker. Given the current weakness in China’s midfield and the lack of a coherent system, such an individual attacking threat is precisely what is needed.
Regarding Cressan’s form, there is no need for concern. He is one of the rare foreign players whose market value has increased, not decreased, after joining the CSL. When he first joined Taishan, his value was €850,000, but it has since stabilized at over €3 million for several seasons. This shows that he has maintained good form, trained hard, and continually improved while playing in China, reflecting his strong professional attitude.
Therefore, if Cressan can truly join the Chinese national team, the overall strength of the forward line will undoubtedly rise to a higher level.
At present, the biggest obstacle to Cressan’s naturalization appears to be the lack of a facilitator. Shandong Taishan’s operational funds in recent seasons have been insufficient, making it difficult for the club to cover the naturalization costs. The Chinese Football Association is also unlikely to directly handle the player’s naturalization process. The few feasible options include Cressan transferring to wealthy clubs like Shanghai Port, Shanghai Shenhua, or Beijing Guoan, with those clubs bearing the naturalization expenses.
What do you, the fans, think? Feel free to share your views in the comments.