In the last two league matches, Guoan manager Montgomery altered the attacking approach, notably reshaping the defensive line. He deployed left-footed center-back Bai Yang as the left-back, while Ru Zinan on the right pushed high up the pitch for most of the game, acting as a wing-back. Defensively, Bai Yang tucked inside alongside Ramos and Wang Gang to form a back three. In attack, Bai Yang frequently overlapped down the left flank to deliver crosses into the box.
This somewhat aggressive tactic places heavy demands on the two central midfielders and the defensive midfielder. Returning to the No. 6 role, Konte has excelled in carrying out Montgomery’s instructions. Defensively, he operates like a sweeper, closing down opponents early when they advance with the ball. Offensively, he uses his pace and agility to drive forward into the final third and distribute to teammates in better positions. Combining defensive solidity with organized build-up play, Konte truly embodies a “do-it-all” presence on the field.
In midfield, Dawan occupies the box-to-box role and delivers the key pass in transition, while Zhang Xizhe and Serginho roam on the flanks to provide support. When the opposition presses high, Konte is the player who dares to take on defenders and break the first line of pressure. His first touch is clean, he doesn’t hold the ball too long, and he isn’t afraid of physical battles. Unlike earlier in the season, he no longer limits himself to safe lateral passes. When Guoan’s three midfielders are tightly marked, Konte takes the initiative to drive forward with the ball, drawing defenders before releasing the pass.
This attribute is Konte’s biggest asset. Guoan’s midfielders Zhang Xizhe and Serginho are both technically gifted, but they lack the ability to consistently carry the ball past opponents. When space becomes compressed, they struggle to escape markers and play incisive passes. Konte’s style provides a direct solution, and his ball-carrying ability has become a key component in Montgomery’s attacking schemes.
Of course, Konte’s defensive value cannot be overlooked. He is not a physically dominant destroyer who relies on brawn, but rather uses anticipation and positional intelligence to break up opposition attacks. In recent rounds, Guoan have focused attacks down the right, leaving large spaces behind Ru Zinan—spaces that Konte consistently covers, intercepting potential counterattacks before they develop. This ability to “solve problems early” is even more valuable than a last-ditch tackle.
Konte’s mentality is also a plus. Beijing fans appreciate his passion: in several tough matches, even without scoring, his celebrations after crucial tackles or drawing fouls have electrified the crowd at Workers’ Stadium—a spark that had been missing for a long time.
However, Guoan’s midfield still faces challenges. When Konte, Dawan, Zhang Xizhe, and Serginho are all on the pitch, ball distribution can become unclear. Konte likes to drive forward with the ball, while Dawan and Zhang Xizhe also need time on the ball to supply assists
