In the 11th round of the Chinese Super League, Shandong Taishan secured a 2-1 away victory over Shenzhen Peng City, extending their winning streak to two games and showing steady improvement in form. However, naturalized player Pedro Delgado has been conspicuously absent from the squad, missing multiple match-day rosters. 
Following the 4-1 thrashing of Shanghai Shenhua in the previous round, Delgado has now been omitted from the team list for two consecutive matches, effectively being sidelined from the first-team setup at Shandong Taishan. Since returning to the club from Chengdu Rongcheng this season, he has been largely overlooked by head coach Han Peng. After 11 rounds of CSL action, Delgado has managed just 45 minutes of playing time, becoming little more than a benchwarmer.
Delgado’s technical ability is unquestionable. He possesses delicate footwork, excellent ball control, dribbling, and passing skills, along with sharp attacking vision and finishing ability. He is versatile, capable of playing as a second striker or an attacking midfielder, and excels at poaching goals and making late runs into the box. His individual quality is undoubtedly above average for the Chinese Super League. 
However, Delgado’s shortcomings are equally evident, which explains why he has struggled to earn trust at Shandong Taishan. Three major weaknesses stand out. First, his attitude on the pitch is negative—he tends to be lazy in his movement, lacks intensity in pressing, and shows minimal effort in off-the-ball runs, contributing little on either end of the field. This issue has been a long-standing concern, not only drawing criticism from Shandong fans but also during his loan spell at Chengdu Rongcheng, where supporters expressed frustration over his lackadaisical approach. He has shown no willingness to change.
Second, Delgado’s playing style does not align with Taishan’s current tactical system. The team urgently needs an organizer who can link play and orchestrate attacks from midfield, whereas Delgado is better suited as a poacher-style forward. He lacks the ability to consistently build up play and connect midfield in positional attacks, making him a poor fit for the team’s setup.
Third, Delgado’s defensive liabilities are glaring. His willingness to track back is minimal, his defensive participation is low, and his offensive-minded approach leaves him exposed. This imbalance fails to meet the team’s overall tactical demands.
These three critical flaws have gradually led Han Peng to drop Delgado, culminating in his exclusion from match-day squads. With the summer transfer window approaching, reports from Shandong media suggest that Delgado is likely to join Tianjin Jinmen Tigers on loan during the summer.
Currently, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers are languishing at the bottom of the CSL table, facing a severe relegation battle and desperately needing to bolster their attacking options. Head coach Yu Genwei has a track record of revitalizing players on loan from Shandong Taishan—Wu Xinghan, for instance, quickly became a starter after arriving. If Delgado joins the Tigers and maintains a proper work ethic, his talent could earn him a key role. Should Yu Genwei find the right tactical formula for him, Delgado could become a decisive figure in the club’s survival fight. Whether or not the loan move materializes, fans hope Delgado can overcome his current struggles soon.
