10 July 2007, by Tom Kundert

Yu Dabao aiming to solve Benfica’s striking problem

Young Chinese marksman impresses in pre-season training

When Yu Dabao was signed for Benfica in January 2007, most onlookers believed the transfer was little more than a marketing ploy to boost the Portuguese club’s popularity back in the striker’s home country, China.

Dabao, 18 at the time, arrived with little fanfare, although eyebrows were raised when the forward scored a hat-trick in his first match for the youth team despite playing for only an hour in an 8-0 victory over Portimonense.

As the first Chinese player to play in Portugal, and the first Asian player ever to don the colours of Benfica, Dabao has gradually adapted to his new surroundings. “I admit it’s not easy to communicate with my team-mates, but my colleagues have helped me a lot,” said the timid player, who has already picked up a smattering of Portuguese.

First-team ambition

Benfica coach Fernando Santos last week stated that the club require another striker after Italian favourite Fabrizio Miccoli decided to end his association with Benfica and sign for Palermo. Dabao says he aims to fill that vacancy.

“I’m going to try to remain in the first-team squad. I want to be the striker that is missing,” said the Chinese.

Dabao is certainly going the right way about convincing Santos, and could hardly have made a better impression since pre-season training began last week. Looking as sharp as anyone in training, the front man blessed with a powerful left-foot shot scored Benfica’s opening goal in a 4-0 friendly win against Luxemburg team RM Hamm.

The modest 19-year-old admits he is living a dream at the moment. “Benfica have great players like Simao and Nuno Gomes. It’s very good to play with them. As for the goals I have scored, I have to thank my team-mates who provide me with good passes.”

When asked about the secret of his success Dabao simply replied: “Work, work, work. That’s the only way I can please the coach and stay in the first team.”

With that humble attitude, work ethic and no little ability, perhaps it won’t be long before Benfica shirts featuring the name Yu Dabao are commonplace on the streets of both Lisbon and Beijing.


Related: Miccoli signs for Palermo to end transfer saga
Related: Chinese ace aiming to make has mark at Benfica