If you are asked to pick the most ‘hot’ player in the K-League in 2023, it is Pohang Steelers Koh Yeong-jun (22). He scored 4 goals in 9 games of ‘Hana 1 Q K League 1 2023’. It is a season in which a ‘career high’ seems certain since the debut in 2020. Pohang coach Kim Ki-dong is showing off his top-notch talent to the extent that he said, “(The late) Young-jun does not play because of the 22-year-old rule (U-22).”
Koh Young-joon, who recently met at the clubhouse in Cheongna, Pohang, said, “I feel that the number of fans has increased on the way out after the game. There are also fans who ask me to take pictures with them. Also, the coach believes in me a lot and gives me strength. I think confidence comes out through performance.”
Koh Young-jun has two big goals this season. The first is Pohang’s positive performance. Koh Yeongjun wore Pohang’s uniform for the first time in his 5th grade of elementary school. He went through Pocheol Dongcho-Pocheol Middle-Pocheol High School and made his professional debut in Pohang. He said, “It was the 40th anniversary of the club’s founding when I was in the 6th grade of elementary school. At that time, I was so young that it was fun to just watch the game. Looking back now, I realize that it was a big deal. It’s amazing that it’s already been 50 years. He said that the goal is to win. When I first heard it, I don’t think few people believed it. But we’re going in a good direction. Now, that word seems to give me strength. I don’t think it’s impossible. I can do it. I think.
The second goal is to participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games in September. He plays a key role in the Olympic team led by coach Hwang Seon-hong. He is a member of the winning Doha Cup held in Doha, Qatar last month.
Ko Young-jun said, “The Asian Games are an important tournament. I have a strong desire to participate. Being selected is the first thing. I really like the under-23 (U-23) national team players. There are many overseas fans. The older brothers born in 1999 are also really good. It’s a tournament for older brothers and sisters, but that doesn’t mean I can’t go because I’m young. It’s a good opportunity for me. It motivates me.”
There is a player who can definitely motivate him. He is the ‘youngest brother’ Lee Kang-in (22, Real Mallorca). The two are subject to strong ‘jumping’ of the Hangzhou Asian Games. They are also considered a key generation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The two players worked together at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) U-23 Asian Cup in June last year.
Ko Young-joon said, “I think my competitor is right for me in terms of position. We are the same age. Watching (Lee) Kang-in play, he is really good. I don’t know what Kang-in will think, but (to me) it’s a great motivation. I learn a lot. Kang-in is called a ‘early born.’ I haven’t called him yet, but I’m thinking of calling him ‘hyung’ because he’s an older brother if he’s good at soccer (laughs). I saw him once when I went to the U-23 national team last year. I didn’t know if he was a ‘fast-year-old’ because he didn’t say. If you have to say hyung, you should call him,” he laughed.메이저사이트
He is dreaming of a wider world through the Asian Games and Paris Olympics. Koh Young-joon said, “I want to become a bigger player. I want to go to the big stage. When I was young, I liked the Spanish league. I liked FC Barcelona, Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi Hernandez. If the opportunity comes, I want to go.”
It was at the end of the interview. Director Kim Ki-dong, who was preparing for training, discovered Ko Young-joon. Coach Kim said to Koh Young-jun, “(On the team) he is the best player. So he has to do better.” Koh Young-jun laughed, saying, “Originally (this year’s goal) I thought of 15 attack points. Defender (Ha) Chang-rae said, ‘If we want to win, you must score 15 goals’. I think you need to score 15 goals.” .