Twenty-one-year-old outside hitter Li Yingying is unquestionably talented and has helped her team move up the standings at the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League.
VNL 2021
Li Yingying bringing own style to China's success
And boosting her country's hopes of making the Final Four
Published 06:46, 19 Jun 2021
She has proven successful against international opponents in recent seasons and is reinforcing the offence in Lang Ping's outside hitter rotation.
Li is also providing China with the help the team need to keep their win-streak going, together with Zhu Ting, Gong Xiangyu, Yuan Xinyue, Yan Ni, Zhang Changning and Ding Xia.
After providing captain Zhu with support in offence over the last few years, she has been primed for a more prominent role on the court and has become a leader of the Chinese squad's offence this season. And her impressive performances in China’s last few outings are causing a stir and positioning her as a possible successor to Zhu.
Like Zhu, Li entered the team at a young age and worked her way from being a promising rookie to a prominent fixture in the team’s rotation because of her dominance in attack.
But Li says there’s no one replacing their beloved captain. After all, Zhu is only 26 years old and has many years ahead of her to conquer more medals.
“Zhu is our captain and I look up to her a lot, so I always do my best by following her and working hard for my team,” Li said.
“We have different playing styles even though we have the same position, and are both effective. Of course, I will always do things my way to help our team.”
The young wing player has demonstrated great range in her attacks, but she hopes to work on her defensive versatility in this competition and for the future.
“Every team competing here is strong, so we are doing our best to face these teams. Personally, I would like to work on my defence, especially in blocking.”
Li is another exciting player in the long list of Chinese talents who will surely make the sport exciting in the years ahead. And for coach Lang Ping, the left-handed player is certainly a welcome presence in a talented squad. Keep an eye out for her as the 2021 VNL approaches its climax in Week 5, and when China compete at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 later this year.
