The prospect of Wang Shuang on the same pitch as Sam Kerr makes China PR’s two matches with the Westfield Matildas must-see football this week in Victoria.
Dalian Quanjian forward Wang Shuang - their “Lady Messi” as she’s been dubbed by Chinese media – has been named in the touring squad.
Stajcic’s describes Shuang as a “fantastic” talent up front and an emerging national team that’s battle-hardened after a huge numbers of games in 2017.
“They are a lot like us, a young team for the most part and an improving team and one that’s aiming to re-emerge as a world superpower,” Stajcic told https://matildas.footballaustralia.com.au/
“They are definitely one of the contenders for [next year’s] Asian Cup.”
The Wang Shuang versus Sam Kerr shootout should make for eye-catching football in the two-game series in Victoria.
Shuang, a Ronaldo fan, has over 60 international caps for her nation.
And of all the goals she scored, a winner against the USA in 2015 helped the Chinese to a long-awaited win over the US.
“She’s a left footer and young, only 21, exciting player,” said Stajcic when asked about Wang Shuang.
“She is probably emerging now, I’d say, as one of the top three or four players in Asia.
"An excellent dribbler, excellent left foot, great awareness. Can play out wide on the wing.
“Along with Wang Shanshan up front, they are their two best players by a mile.
"They are fantastic talents.”
Australia are desperate to end their year on a winning note after a breakthrough year on the pitch with huge crowds flocking to their games in NSW against Brazil in September.
But with a national team that's will have played over 20 internationals this year under French coach Bruno Bini, the Chinese will bebattle hardened.
“We’ve played them [China PR] four times while I’ve been coach and we’ve had three 1-1 results.
"And at this year’s Algarve Cup Ellie Carpenter scored a late goal to win 2-1.
“So they’re a tough opponent," added Stajcic.
