Guangzhou Evergrande will attempt to confirm their oft-quoted status as Asia’s biggest club over the next fortnight, taking on Cosmin Olaroiu’s Al Ahli side in their second AFC Champions League final in the past three seasons.
Crowned champions over FC Seoul in 2013, the club’s largely Chinese has remained stable over their period of domestic domination.
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The past year, though, has seen considerable change to the club’s overseas ranks—largely brought about following the departure of World Cup winning coach Marcello Lippi.
In his place, another to have held football’s biggest prize in Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Who, then, are Guangzhou Evergrande?
Zeng Cheng
Has been the most consistent goalkeeper in China for a couple of seasons now, controlling his area in a manner entirely different to many goalkeepers within the Chinese Super League.
Not afraid of having the ball with his feet or claiming crosses, Cheng’s development has been rapid since joining Guangzhou in January 2013. His shot-stopping ability, though, is not spectacular at this level.
Zhang Linpeng
The Chinese star of Evergrande’s side, Zhang has been linked with moves to both Real Madrid and Chelsea in recent months as he continues to excel with both club and country.
Originally a centre-back, he came into his own as a marauding wing-back under Lippi earning comparisons with a young Sergio Ramos. Incredibly fit and with decent technique, he is a key attacking outlet for the side but his defensive positioning can be his undoing.
Feng Xiaoting
Returning from a spell in Korea to join Evergrande, Feng has been a virtual ever-present throughout the club’s period of domestic domination.
While considered the best centre-back in China for several years, concerns over his attitude and occasional defensive lapses have lingered despite the club’s success.
However, 2015 has been Feng’s best year in an Evergrande shirt with a series of commanding performances helping the club to both the league title and Champions League final.
Kim Young-Gwon
Feng’s regular partner at the heart of the defence, the talented Korean has by contrast endured a tough season with injuries seeing him ruled out for long periods early in the year.
Kim, though, is in a class of his own when in full stride with technical ability unrivalled among Asian central defenders. His arrival was a key moment in the club’s ascent in continental competition.
Li Xuepeng
Likely to start at left-back after a run of games in recent weeks, it is easy to see why Evergrande targeted Li for a long time before securing his capture in 2014. He is an elegant player, strong and fast, with all the attributes of a top defender.
However, the former Dalian man has a habit of losing concentration and under the pressure of a final there will be concerns. His shift to left-back from the centre of the defence this season should help though.
Zheng Zhi
Former Charlton and Celtic player’s role at the base of the Evergrande midfield is key to the balance of the side, with his 2013 AFC Player of the Year award recognition for his contribution to Champions League victory last time around.
Zheng is a highly intelligent player, breaking up opposition attacks with regularity and setting the tempo for his side with his distribution from deep. Despite his age, the veteran still pops up with a crucial goal or two when required.
Paulinho
A big-money acquisition this summer from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, Paulinho made an immediate impact in a side which had shown midfield frailty early in the campaign.
Besides his physical presence and undoubted ability, the Brazilian’s long-recognised ability to score goals with late bursts into the box has added another dimension to the side’s attack. His long-range free-kick against Kashiwa Reysol may well have be goal of the tournament.
Huang Bowen
Ever since his Beijing Guoan debut as a 16-year-old, there has never been any doubt as to Huang’s ability. However, the midfielder has often failed to impose himself on games, only coming to the fore previously when given freedom by the presence of Zheng and Dario Conca.
This year has been somewhat of a breakthrough for the player and, given a free role as a third midfielder from the right, he has scored some wonderful goals en-route to the final.
Zheng Long
Evergrande’s left-footed set-piece specialist, Zheng Long is atypical in terms of Chinese attacking players in terms of his reliance on technical ability rather than pace or strength to overcome opponents.
Zheng missed the 2014 season through injury following a promising start to his career in Guangzhou, but returned with a bang this year to make himself a regular at both domestic and international level. Former coach Fabio Cannavaro deserves great credit for his recent rise.
Ricardo Goulart
Record signing Ricardo Goulart has not disappointed in his debut campaign in China, top-scoring for the club in both Chinese Super League and AFC Champions League action. For long periods he was the only non-Chinese available and helped his depleted team through some difficult fixtures.
Goulart’s bustling style can appear ungainly at times, but he has a glorious habit of putting himself into areas to score goals and has formed a strong understanding with the likes of Huang and Zheng around him. He will hope to exploit any space in front of the Ahli defence.
Elkeson
Top-scorer in the Chinese Super League in both 2013 and 2014, injuries have affected the Brazilian’s season and he has yet to hit top form since the arrival of Scolari. His goalscoring ability, though, is undeniable.
What makes Elkeson remarkable is his ability to score consistently with both feet and his head, presenting a multi-faceted attacking threat which many defenders in Asia have struggled to contain. His unceasing work-rate also aids the side greatly in both attack and defence.