Lee Ki-hyuk, a member of Gangwon FC (hereinafter referred to as Gangwon), expressed his feelings about re-voting to the Korean national team.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) unveiled the list of players to play in Group B 5 and 6 of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup between North Korea and China, Kuwait (14th) and Palestine (19th) at the soccer center in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 4th.
While a large number of key overseas players, including Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in, were recruited, news of the selection of new faces, Kim Kyung-min, Kim Bong-soo, Lee Hyun-joo and Lee Tae-seok, drew great attention.
He also had a welcoming face. He is Lee Ki-hyuk, who has been on the rise in Gangwon Province this season. On July 11, 2022, when Paulo Bento was preparing for the EAFF-E1 Championship, he received a surprise call from the national team.
Since then, Lee Ki-hyuk has had no relationship with the Taegeuk mark for 848 days. His team has also changed to Suwon FC, Jeju United, and Gangwon. A twist came to Lee Ki-hyuk, who prepared for this season with a desperate heart.
Gangwon coach Yoon Jeong-hwan assigned Lee Ki-hyuk not only to his original position as a midfielder, but also to various positions including left-back and center-back. He even changed positions during matches.
Despite this, Lee performed his part in all positions. While playing completely different positions, he was selected as the best 117 times per week in the 2024 K League 1, which illustrates his stellar performance.
The fact that the national team, which was considering Kim Min-jae’s center back partner and left back, experimented with Lee Ki-hyuk is something that fans who have been watching the league can nod their heads.
“I think he is a very interesting player. He has good ability as a multiplayer. He can play center-back (four-back) and left stopper, full-back and midfielder (three-back). A player with such ability is very important to the national team,” Hong said. “He maintains constant performance in the team. I thought we could utilize it well. I picked him while I was looking for a full-back and center-back.” 메이저놀이터
In a telephone interview with “Spotal Korea,” Lee expressed his joy at the fact that he has been selected for the national team. Still, he expressed his determination to develop by maintaining a humble attitude in accordance with Yoon Jeong-hwan’s teaching. He also expressed his gratitude to his role as a member of the national team and to his family and fans in Gangwon Province.