KNT + K-League Listing 11/18-11/19 / Hwang Hee-Chan: Asian Young Player of the Year

Man was so busy with work the past couple weeks so this “recap” is based on fuzzy memories. I literally just remembered that Son scored. Also usual post-international break disclaimer as sometimes players pick up minor knocks or are just tired or managers just go with guys who were around.

Ji Dong Won — Came on for Koo but I didn’t get to watch the second half of this one. With Cordova out and Gregoritsch missing lots of practice, perhaps Ji gets a bigger role but likely off the bench.

Koo Ja Cheol — Played in role more commonly associated with Weinzierl (one of two CAMs). In the half that I watched he looked energetic but a bit sloppy, including a needless tackle on Bender that could have been worse than the significant injury that it was. He looks a bit lost between the varying 10/8/6 roles. As with Ji, with Gregoritsch not 100%, perhaps Koo again goes in attacking role and certainly complementary to his second forward role with KNT.

Ki Sung Yueng — Not as good as prior showings. Again in the base of the midfield three, Swansea really lacked any sort of rhythm and Ki being far back gave him few opportunities to impact the match. His corners and free kicks though were awful. I think he will start again this weekend though we will see in what sort of role with improving health of guys like Sanches.

Suk Hyun Jun — Started and scored before coming off at 78′. I didn’t watch though but hopefully leads to more starts now like this weekend.

Lee Chung Yong — I don’t know his status… hasn’t been mentioned in latest conferences but haven’t been reading thoroughly.

Son Heung Min — Looked pretty bad at times in a misfiring team, but sometimes a goal puts a shine on the day, especially when it brings a big three points. And that goal was a great goal, taking a loose ball and curling it inside the post. That seemed to fire up Son but unfortunately he couldn’t take advantage on two breakaways with just goalkeeper to beat; first missing just wide and the second waiting a hair too long and letting defenders back in to ruin his chance. With everyone getting healthy, I’d expect Son to be on the bench ahead of Dortmund on Tuesday (albeit a low stakes CL match).

Kwon Chang Hoon — KCH struggled to impact the match and was taken off after an hour. Could start but maybe less certain than a couple weeks ago.

Lee Seung Woo — An unused sub but did get a chance to be used as a marketing tool over international break. Probably more of the same Monday.