Zhejiang Professional FC Midfielders 2025
Zhejiang Professional FC has steadily risen through the ranks of Chinese football, establishing itself as a formidable force in the Super League. The club’s midfield, in particular, has been a cornerstone of its success, blending experience, youth, and international talent. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the midfield roster boasts a mix of creative playmakers, hard-tackling enforcers, and versatile utility players. Each midfielder brings a unique set of skills, contributing to the team’s dynamic style of play. Below, we delve into the profiles of Zhejiang Professional FC’s midfielders, exploring their backgrounds, achievements, and what makes them indispensable to the squad.
1. Matheus Nascimento
Matheus Nascimento, a Brazilian maestro, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2023 from Flamengo for a transfer fee of €8 million. Known for his impeccable vision and technical prowess, Nascimento has become the heartbeat of the team’s midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and deliver pinpoint passes has earned him the nickname “The Conductor” among fans. Standing at 5’11”, he combines agility with strength, making him difficult to dispossess. Nascimento’s journey began in the youth ranks of Flamengo, where he honed his skills before breaking into the first team. His international experience includes appearances for Brazil’s U-20 squad, showcasing his potential on the global stage. In the 2024 season, he recorded 12 assists and 5 goals, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top playmakers.
2. Zhang Jiaqi
A product of Zhejiang’s youth academy, Zhang Jiaqi is a homegrown talent who has risen through the ranks to become a key figure in the midfield. At just 23 years old, Zhang has already amassed over 100 appearances for the club, demonstrating his consistency and dedication. His playing style is characterized by his relentless work rate and ability to cover every blade of grass. Zhang’s versatility allows him to operate as a box-to-box midfielder, contributing both defensively and offensively. In the 2024 campaign, he scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists, proving his worth as a dynamic presence in the center of the park. Zhang’s commitment to the club and his rapid development have made him a fan favorite and a symbol of Zhejiang’s investment in local talent.
3. Franck Yannick Kessié
Franck Yannick Kessié, the Ivorian powerhouse, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2024 from AC Milan for a fee of €15 million. Known for his physicality and tactical intelligence, Kessié has brought a new dimension to the team’s midfield. Standing at 6’0”, he excels in breaking up opposition play and initiating counterattacks with his precise distribution. Kessié’s career began in his native Ivory Coast before he moved to Europe, where he made a name for himself with Atalanta and later AC Milan. His experience in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League has been invaluable, providing Zhejiang with a seasoned campaigner in high-pressure situations. In his debut season, Kessié made an immediate impact, scoring 4 goals and providing 8 assists while anchoring the midfield with authority.
4. Wang Dong
Wang Dong, a Chinese international, is another vital cog in Zhejiang’s midfield machinery. At 28 years old, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the squad. Wang began his career with Shandong Luneng before moving to Zhejiang in 2021 for a fee of €3 million. His playing style is defined by his composure on the ball and ability to retain possession under pressure. Wang’s passing accuracy and ability to read the game have made him a reliable presence in the center of the park. In the 2024 season, he contributed 3 goals and 9 assists, showcasing his ability to influence games both defensively and offensively. Wang’s leadership qualities have also seen him wear the captain’s armband on several occasions, further underscoring his importance to the team.
5. Lucas Evangelista
Lucas Evangelista, a Brazilian midfielder, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2022 from Santos for a fee of €6 million. Known for his flair and creativity, Evangelista has become a fan favorite with his dazzling dribbles and eye for goal. Standing at 5’9”, he combines quick feet with a low center of gravity, making him a nightmare for defenders. Evangelista’s journey began in the youth ranks of Santos, where he developed his technical skills before making his senior debut. His time in Brazil’s top flight earned him a reputation as one of the country’s most promising talents. In the 2024 season, he scored 8 goals and provided 7 assists, cementing his status as one of the league’s most exciting attacking midfielders.
6. Li Tianyi
Li Tianyi, a 25-year-old Chinese midfielder, is another academy graduate who has made significant strides in recent years. Known for his tenacity and ability to win duels, Li has become a key figure in Zhejiang’s midfield. His playing style is characterized by his aggressive tackling and ability to disrupt opposition play. Li’s journey to the first team was marked by consistent performances in the reserve league, earning him a promotion in 2021. In the 2024 season, he recorded 2 goals and 5 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute in both halves of the pitch. Li’s dedication and work ethic have made him a valuable asset to the squad, embodying the club’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
7. Andrija Živković
Andrija Živković, a Serbian international, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2023 from PAOK for a fee of €10 million. Known for his versatility and technical ability, Živković has become a key player in the team’s midfield. Standing at 5’11”, he is equally adept at playing as a central midfielder or on the wing. Živković’s career began at Partizan Belgrade, where he quickly established himself as one of Serbia’s brightest talents. His move to PAOK further honed his skills, earning him a reputation as a creative force. In the 2024 season, he scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists, highlighting his ability to influence games with his vision and passing range. Živković’s experience and versatility have made him an indispensable part of Zhejiang’s midfield.
8. Gu Bin
Gu Bin, a 22-year-old Chinese midfielder, is one of the rising stars in Zhejiang’s squad. Known for his technical ability and composure on the ball, Gu has quickly established himself as a key player. His playing style is characterized by his ability to retain possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Gu’s journey began in the youth ranks of Zhejiang, where he developed his skills before making his senior debut in 2022. In the 2024 season, he recorded 4 goals and 6 assists, showcasing his potential as a future star. Gu’s rapid rise and consistent performances have made him one of the most exciting prospects in Chinese football.
9. Renato Augusto
Renato Augusto, a Brazilian veteran, joined Zhejiang Professional FC in 2023 from Corinthians for a fee of €4 million. Known for his experience and leadership, Augusto has brought a wealth of knowledge to the squad. Standing at 6’0”, he combines technical ability with tactical intelligence, making him a valuable presence in the midfield. Augusto’s career began at Flamengo before he moved to Europe, where he enjoyed successful spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Beijing Guoan. His return to Brazil with Corinthians further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top midfielders. In the 2024 season, he contributed 5 goals and 7 assists, showcasing his ability to influence games with his vision and passing range. Augusto’s experience and leadership have made him a key figure in Zhejiang’s midfield.
10. Zhao Xuri
Zhao Xuri, a 29-year-old Chinese midfielder, is another experienced campaigner in Zhejiang’s squad. Known for his physicality and ability to win aerial duels, Zhao has become a key figure in the team’s midfield. His playing style is characterized by his aggressive tackling and ability to disrupt opposition play. Zhao’s journey began at Dalian Shide before he moved to Guangzhou Evergrande, where he enjoyed significant success. His move to Zhejiang in 2022 for a fee of €2 million brought a wealth of experience to the squad. In the 2024 season, he recorded 3 goals and 4 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute in both halves of the pitch. Zhao’s experience and physicality have made him a valuable asset to the team.
Conclusion
Zhejiang Professional FC’s midfield is a blend of youth and experience, combining local talent with international stars. Each player brings a unique set of skills, contributing to the team’s dynamic style of play. From the creative brilliance of Matheus Nascimento to the tenacity of Li Tianyi, the midfield is the engine that drives the team forward. As Zhejiang looks ahead to the 2025 season, the midfield will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the club’s pursuit of silverware. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the future looks bright for Zhejiang Professional FC.
