South Korean news: Stoke City’s player of the season, Bae Junho, is in the spotlight after scoring on his international debut against Tottenham Hotspur, and South Korea captain Son Heung-min has made a personal plea to supporters as the spotlight shines brightly on bright youthful hope.
Junho, 20, has risen to prominence at both the club and international levels in recent months. He was named Stoke City’s player of the season during his debut season in England, demonstrating the type of form that earned him his first senior South Korean call-up this month. He subsequently scored on his international debut, a superb finish in a 7-0 World Cup qualifying tie victory against Singapore.
Son has taken Junho under his wing over the previous week, even though the latter said he was a little taken aback on their first meeting – and now he has made what the local newspaper describes as “a sincere intervention” when asked about the youngster’s prospects.
“Junho is receiving a lot of expectations and attention,” Son remarked at a press conference before today’s play against China in Seoul.
“He is performing well and is the youngest member of the Korean national squad. In fact, I’m worried. I’ve seen not only in Korea, but also in Europe, that when young players get a lot of attention, it can lead to horrible things.
“It’s because… When it comes to (Lee) Kang-in, I’ve always said, ‘I hope you can just watch Kang-in grow,’ and the same with Junho. He is a talented buddy, therefore he is most likely already under a lot of pressure. This pressure… Aren’t all Korean supporters on the same page with us? We must assist them in achieving success.”
Kang-in, 23, signed for Paris Saint-Germain last summer for around €22 million, and he has emerged as one of the key players in the South Korean camp.
Junho signed a four-year contract with Stoke City after leaving Daejeon Hana Citizen last August. He had attracted scouts’ notice with his exploits at the under-20s World Cup in May and June, where he helped his team reach the semi-finals.
South Korean midfielder Hwang In-beom, who is also from Daejeon, told the press this week: “When it comes to the term ‘Son of Daejeon,’ I have nothing further to say except that I am a Daejeon native.
“Bae Junho’s ability and potential as a soccer player far exceed mine. He is still young, and given his mentality and inclinations, he is a player who will mature many times more than he is today.”
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