Chinese teenager living his dream

Lyu Sunhao from Ningbo, Zhejiang province embodies China's dream of becoming a soccer powerhouse.

The 15-year-old junior player is training in Argentina－home of global soccer prodigy Lionel Messi－hoping to absorb some of the nation's knack for the game.

"Messi is my idol ... and for millions of other Chinese, too," said Lyu. "My dream is to play in Argentina, to become the first Chinese to debut in South America's first division, then return to my country to play for China's national team."

The talented youngster has been living in Buenos Aires for a month, courtesy of Club Atletico River Plate, one of Argentina's top sports teams.

River's guesthouse, located inside the club's facilities in the northern neighborhood of Belgrano, a few meters away from the imposing Monumental Stadium, has housed other young players who went on to shine on the global stage.

"I am very happy to be in Argentina. River is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I want to take advantage of it to step up my game, "said Lyu.

"What's hardest for me now is the language barrier," he said, though he's already picked up key Spanish soccer terminology, like pase corto (short pass), pase largo (long pass), cabezazo (header), punto penal (penalty mark) and, what sums up his life these days, partido de futbol (soccer game).

"Pucca," as Lyu's fellow junior players affectionately call him, after the star character in a South Korean animated series, was destined to play soccer.

Born in Ningbo in eastern Zhejiang province, his passion for the game was sparked by his father, Gao Xin, who has trained a large number of youngsters.

Lyu, a central midfielder, arrived in Argentina on a one-year contract and is waiting on some pending immigration procedures to officially debut in the youth championship.

"He is adapting quite quickly. He takes instruction well, despite the language barrier, and that speaks of an intelligent boy," former River defensive player and lower division coach Jorge Gordillo said.

Gordillo－an Intercontinental Cup and Copa Libertadores champion in 1986 alongside the likes of Nery Pumpido and Hector Enrique, said Lyu could pick up traits that are particular to South American players, such as their animated exuberance on the field.

"Here, boys that age have experience playing in a more relaxed, amateur atmosphere, and that is sometimes what kids from other countries lack, like Lyu. From these informal games they gain competitiveness, the passion that gives you an edge when playing professionally," Gordillo said.

Luis Xu, a soccer agent born to Asian parents in Argentina, said China's national drive to excel in soccer will see more Chinese playing in world leagues.

"It is good for players to come from China," said Gordillo, noting Messi has raised Argentine soccer to a level that has drummed up interest in the national game from around the world.