Beijing Guoan’s 0-0 draw against an unnamed opponent on July 2, 2026, exposed glaring flaws in the club’s foreign recruitment strategy, with striker Enkolo Mokuna’s performance drawing sharp criticism from fans and analysts alike. The 25-year-old Congolese forward, signed for a reported fee in January, was described as “a complete liability” by Sina Sports, a sentiment echoed by coach Gianluca Montanari, who reportedly considered benching him for the next match.
Enkolo’s Struggles Under Montanari’s Tactics
Enkolo’s ineffectiveness was most evident in the 8th minute, when he failed to capitalize on a precise cross from defender Kong Ting. Despite being unmarked, the striker headed the ball harmlessly wide, a moment that encapsulated his overall performance. Liu Wei, a Goal.com analyst, noted that Enkolo seemed to be playing in a different league, highlighting his lack of physicality and poor positioning. Liu further observed that Montanari’s system relies on quick transitions, but Enkolo’s inability to hold up play left the midfield exposed.
Beijing Guoan’s defensive fragility in the match—two missed tackles in the first half alone—fueled speculation that the club’s reliance on foreign players has backfired. The team’s top scorer, Cao Yongjing, who netted 12 goals in 2025, was left on the bench for the entire 90 minutes, a decision that has sparked debate among fans. “It’s baffling,” said fan and former player Zhang Jie. He argued that Cao is a proven performer, yet Montanari keeps trusting a player who hasn’t shown consistency.
Comparing Enkolo to Cao Yongjing: A Tactical Dilemma
The contrast between Enkolo and Cao Yongjing highlights a broader issue in Chinese Super League (CSL) squad management. Cao, 28, has averaged 0.68 goals per 90 minutes over the past three seasons, while Enkolo’s rate sits at a dismal 0.23, according to Football Database. This discrepancy has led some to question the club’s recruitment criteria. Sports economist Liang Min suggested that Beijing Guoan’s foreign signings often prioritize name recognition over fit, adding that Enkolo’s contract lacks performance clauses, which is a risk in a league where many foreign players underperform in their first season.
Montanari, who took charge in 2024, has faced pressure to adapt his tactics. His 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to maximize counterattacks, has proven ineffective with Enkolo as the lone striker. Montanari stated in a post-match press conference that the team needs a player who can link play, rather than just someone who runs at defenders. The coach’s remarks suggest a potential shift toward a more flexible system, though no immediate changes have been announced.
Montanari’s Reckoning: Balancing Foreign and Local Talent
The controversy has intensified scrutiny on Montanari’s approach to squad rotation. The Italian coach, known for his rigid methods, has faced criticism for over-relying on foreign players despite the CSL’s 2023 rule limiting foreign imports to three per team. China Daily reported that Beijing Guoan’s foreign players accounted for a significant portion of the squad’s total minutes in 2025, the highest in the league. Former coach Shen Xue, now a TV commentator, described it as a systemic issue, noting that clubs are prioritizing short-term gains over long-term development.
Enkolo’s struggles also reflect the challenges of adapting to the CSL’s physical style. The league’s average sprint distance per player is 12.3 km per game, compared to 10.8 km in the Bundesliga, according to Sportradar. Enkolo, who played in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, has yet to adjust to the pace. Analyst Wang Jian remarked that he is not built for the intensity of the league, adding that his lack of stamina was evident in the second half.
The Road Ahead: Rebuilding Trust in the Squad
With the CSL season entering its critical phase, Beijing Guoan’s management faces a pivotal decision. The club has until August 15 to finalize its squad, a deadline that could see Enkolo’s contract terminated or loaned out. Fox Sports Asia reported that several European clubs are interested in the striker, though no offers have been formalized.
For Montanari, the challenge is clear: reconcile his tactical vision with the realities of the league. In a recent interview, Cao Yongjing said the team needs to trust the players who have proven themselves, noting that while Enkolo has potential, it is time to give others a chance.
