He was reborn as the “two hearts.” He is Gangwon FC’s “engine” Lee Yoo-hyun (27), who became the most popular K-League 1 player this season.
Sports Seoul selected Lee Yoo-hyun for the 34th round of “Player of the Round (POTR)” of “Hana Bank K League 1 2024.” He started the 34th round home game against FC Seoul at Gangneung Stadium on the 20th and played 84 minutes to help the team win 1-0.
Although he did not score offensive points such as goals or assistance, Lee Yoo-hyun was the best helper for Gangwon to break the Seoul jinx (previously, one draw and two losses this season) and rejoin the championship competition.
Several players, including Hwang Moon-ki and Lee Ki-hyuk, are displaying their values through position changes under coach Yoon Jeong-hwan this season. Lee Yoo-hyun is one of them. As a right fullback, Lee has not seen much success in his former team, Jeonbuk Hyundai. After serving in the military at Sangmu, Gimcheon, he moved to Gangwon on loan early this year. However, he did not match the color of fullback that Gangwon aims for.
Yoon boldly transformed Lee into a defensive midfielder. It was a huge success. Having recovered from his professional career, he has emerged as the new head of Gangwon’s midfielder league by displaying some of the best-performing plays in the league and better-than-expected plays. Notably, when three of his key players, including Kim Kang-guk and Kim Yi-seok, suffered a tight injury, Lee Yoo-hyun played his part, enabling Gangwon to continue its race to lead the league.
The match against Seoul was a glimpse of his octogenarian style. Yoon put Lee Yoo-hyun under intense pressure from the third to the second. He also enabled Lee to create space by attracting opponents through diverse movements. As a result, Lee built up the team in the background without any pressure. “Yoo-hyun has been a great boost to other players,” Yoon said, expressing satisfaction.
In a meeting with Sports Seoul right after the match against Seoul, Lee Yoo-hyun said, “The coach saw a new strength of me. I was excited and it was a big challenge for me as I ran like a free-roll today. I am grateful if my team gained strength.” He also stressed, “I was desperate. I studied a lot in my own way when I was asked if I should train as a midfielder when I couldn’t go to Gangwon Province for the first time.” 스포츠토토
He also referred to Rodri’s video clip of Manchester City. “Rodri is a holding (defensive midfielder) and has excellent timing, as well as detailed touch and pass selection. I tried to apply it during the training by looking at details such as turn and connecting motion,” he said.
“My goal is my goal,” Lee said, stressing that he wants to qualify for the Asian Champions League at least in the remaining four games. In addition, he marked his second heyday. It remains to be seen whether he will be reborn as a “K-League version of Rodri.”