Caption: The Illustration of key players from countries participating in the 2022 World Cup.
Photo Credit: FIFA.com
The 2022 FIFA World Cup, arguably the most popular sporting event worldwide, is starting on November 20, and many people look forward to it. Naturally, the players receiving the most attention in South Korea are the Korean players playing in Europe, including Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae. However, seeing as though soccer is an eleven-man sport, it would be meaningful to look at three incredible but less-noticed players.
The first player is Kim Tae-hwan, Ulsan Hyundai's right full-back. Kim was not selected by Paulo Bento in the previous two matches, yet he has been considered to be the best player in the K-League for the past four years. This season, he made three assists for Ulsan's challenge to the championship.
Proven by his nickname 'Cheetah,' Kim is a fast-footed man. Full sprinting is his primary skill, and his daring dribble is the best among Korean full-backs. Also, his strong stamina and solid body are his strengths, which help him play at a high performance for the full 90 minutes. He is a player who dribbles high in the opposing half and often shows threatening play with low and fast crosses. He is attracting attention as a substitute for Lee Yong, who was active in the last World Cup.
The second player is Cho Gue-sung, a striker who returned to Jeonbuk Hyundai after completing his military service at Gimcheon Sangmu. The 24-year-old striker is second in scoring with 14 goals and 5 assists this season. Having recently joined Jeonbuk after his loan to Gimcheon Sangmu, he continues to score goals for Jeonbuk.
Perhaps because he was a defensive midfielder in college, he shows good stamina and excellent positioning. He is also at a high level of play with his physique, which he gained through bulking during his military service. He is a player who is noticed as similar to Liverpool's Darwin Nuñez. He had often missed big chances in the past but has been improving with his outstanding goalscoring skills this season. Unfortunately, he could not join the match against Costa Rica and Cameroon due to injury, but he is in the spotlight as a great substitute for Hwang Ui-jo.
The last player is midfielder Son Jun-ho for Shandong Taishan. The 30-year-old midfielder was interrupted from being included in all of the A-match rosters by the COVID-19 pandemic in China for a year, being slowly forgotten. However, he was called by Bento for the A match in September and showed a remarkable performance, proving that he is still an incredible player. In the game against Cameroon, where Bento checked his defensive tactics, he appeared as a defensive midfielder. Son showed great space utilization and build-up and was substituted by Jung Woo-young in the 72nd minute.
As previously stated, Son Jun-ho's biggest strength is his spatial understanding and off-the-ball skills. As Jung Woo-young, the core player of the national team, is considered to have a weakness for his involvement in the build-up and a straightforward pass, Son Jun-ho's strength is acting as a charm. Just like the story of Manchester United coming to recruit Essien but falling in love with Ji-Sung Park (signing him on the spot), several European teams came to see Fellaini but placed an offer for Son Jun-Ho.
These attractive players are only three among many talents that will play with the Korean flag on their chests this fall. The Korean national team is scheduled to play against Uruguay on November 24, Ghana on November 28, and Portugal on December 2. As many people expect, this 2022 World Cup will undoubtedly end with a tournament full of great matches.
Written by Seunghyuk Han | Staff Writer
Revised by Yoonhye Cho | Managing Editor
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