Gangwon FC is by far the most prominent team in the “Hana Bank K League 1 2024.” It has been ranked the highest in the rankings with 15 wins, five draws and eight losses through Sunday, and 50 points. Although the gap is still small with Ulsan HD (48 points), Suwon FC, the third, and Gimcheon Sangmu, the fourth, (47 points or more), the championship is not a dream given the momentum that they have displayed throughout the season.
Under Yoon Jeong-hwan (51), multiplayer was the driving force that enabled Gangwon to take a leap forward. Midfielder Lee Ki-hyuk (24), right fullback Hwang Moon-ki (28), and Lee Yoo-hyun (27) played the role of licorice regardless of their positions. Their performances were as good as those of main guns Yang Min-hyuk (18, 28 games with eight goals, 5 assists) and Lee Sang-hun (26, 28 games with 10 goals, 6 assists).
Lee Ki-hyuk’s performance is also a must-have. Having two assists in 25 games this season, he has played all positions including the central midfielder, his main position, and the entire rear position, greatly contributing to Yoon’s tactical operation. In the early days of this season, he was the center back due to Kim Young-bin’s injury and moved back and forth between the central midfielder and the full back from the middle of the season.
Yoon gave compliments to Lee Ki-hyuk, a left-footed player who combines technology and soccer intelligence. “He is not tall (184 centimeters) for center back, but he is not easily pushed out in competition for the ball. The build-up and positioning were as good as I expected,” Yoon said, giving a thumbs-up.
Lee Ki-hyuk says, “Football is new every day” this season, which marked a turning point in his career. This is the first season he has played as a main player since his debut at Suwon FC in the 2021 season, and he played as a center back for the first time since he started playing soccer. Although he was recognized for his potential enough to be selected as a surprise for the national soccer team in the 2022 season by former coach Paulo Bento, he is grateful for the opportunity given now because it took a considerable amount of time for him to be reborn as a top player in the league. 먹튀검증
Now, he only looks forward in the pride of being the best multiplayer in the league. “Playing in various positions since childhood, it was not that difficult to digest a midfielder or fullback,” Lee said with a smile. “I am proud that I have grown my vision and defense skills to watch games after playing centerback.”
He is also displaying strong commitment to continue this momentum by re-attacking the national team. “I can’t forget the moment when I joined the national team two years ago. If he shows more detailed build-up and defense capability, I expect that he will be selected as a member of the national team again,” Lee said. “For now, I will show good performance in every game, looking only at the team’s leader, Mercury.”