Shandong Taishan's Crespo's Playing Time Analysis

## Shandong Taishan's Crespo's Playing Time Analysis: Experience Over Youth?

Roger Schmidt’s arrival at Shandong Taishan signalled a significant shift in strategy, particularly concerning veteran striker Crysanthos Lykogiannis (Crespo). Last season under Hao Wei, Crespo was an undisputed starter, racking up minutes consistently. However, the new coach immediately implemented a rotation policy heavily favouring the younger Brazilian duo of Paredes and Silvinho.

**The Numbers Tell the Story:**

* **Drastic Reduction:** Whereas Crespo enjoyed upwards of 2500+ league minutes in previous campaigns, his availability plummeted dramatically under Schmidt. He became primarily fourth-choice for centre-forward spots behind Paredes, Silvinho, and even Moises. Total league appearances dwindled significantly. When he *did* feature, starts became rare – mostly substitute cameos totalling often less than 90 minutes per game on average. His seasonal league minute tally crashed to single figures in many matchweeks.

* **Role Redefined:** His limited time on the pitch reflected his changed role. No longer the first-choice battering ramp, he was used strategically as impact substitution – deployed late in games to hold onto leads, exploit tired defences with his physicality and positional awareness, or occasionally provide a different aerial threat alongside Moises when needed. Cup competitions saw slightly more opportunities but followed the same pattern.

**Why the Drop?** This wasn't purely form-based; it was tactical. Schmidt prioritised pace, press resistance, and dynamic movement – attributes where the younger forwards held a clear advantage over the 32-year-old Crespo. While his goalscoring instincts remain sharp when used effectively (he still contributed crucial goals off the bench), Schmidt clearly valued legs over experience for sustained periods. Injuries to others occasionally forced his hand, offering Crespo glimpses of his enduring quality, but the core strategy remained unchanged.

**Impact & Future:** For Crespo personally, it meant adapting from protagonist to supporting actor. For Shandong Taishan, it represented a conscious bet on youth and high-tempo football. Whether this approach yields silverware will ultimately judge its success, but statistically, Crespo’s playing time represents a radical departure from his recent past at the club – experience making way for energy under the new regime. His continued importance as a supersub, however, underscores his unique value beyond simple statistics.

(Word Count: 298)

• Shandong
• Taishan
• Crespo
• playing
• Time