We already have our first move of the summer with Ji Dong Won signing a pre-contract to move to Mainz, Koo's old club, on a three year deal. Sadly that means no more Ji this spring but hopefully it gives him a chance to get to 100% and be ready to go for preseason.
A surprise showing by Paik Seung Ho as well... maybe shouldn't put him on here so he plays more :)
Unfortunately, kid had a tournament this weekend and there was a high overlap with these matches...
Wednesday
Son Heung Min -- Tottenham go to Ajax, Wednesday on TNT at 3 PM -- I saw the first thirty minutes before I had to leave... but turns out I had seen almost all of his showing as he picked up a red card before halftime for retaliating after being hit and stomped on. That started an immense collapse as they went down to nine and lost. But again only to be again saved by other contenders for top four. With a GD advantage of eight on top of three points, as long as they do not implode this weekend, a top four finish is assured. Son has to realize he's the primary target now and not get ruffled by cheap shots. Before being sent off he was creating good danger even if Tottenham couldn't quite link it all together.
Hopefully the low consequences of the red eases some of the pressure that Son must feel to make up for his mistake because he will start midweek, with a side benefit of some freshness from going off early. We know Son sometimes gets wound up too tight to play well, but they need goals to advance to CL finals.
Recap
Suk Hyun Jun -- He came on with 30-ish minutes left and Reims down by two. I didn't see but it didn't seem that he got a chance to do much as they eventually lost by four. With Reims stuttering, maybe Suk gets a look from get go.
Ki Sung Yueng -- Ki played ninety in a tough loss to Liverpool as they battled hard. I didn't see and I imagine Ki didn't get as many chances to touch the ball as vs lesser opposition, but good to see him trusted by Rafa going into the summer against a top tier opponent.
Ji Dong Won -- Missed the match as it seems he's shut himself down for his summer move.
Koo Ja Cheol -- Played 67 minutes though Augsburg found out that they were safe the day before, so was a bit of a tough watch vs a Schalke team that was also looking for a draw for their own survival. Koo started off as left CAM though he did drop deeper at various times in the portion I saw. With Ji's move assured, we'll see if Koo wants to remain in Augsburg where he has a lot of stability and good will or seek a different situation for remainder of career.
Kwon Chang Hoon -- Started in a surprise and played 79 minutes. Reports were that he started off brightly, but another red card for Dijon meant a tough challenge got tougher. Hopefully at least a sign that KCH can get more minutes over the final matches, even if Dijon's survival hopes keep getting dimmer.
Paik Seung Ho -- The match was well over when he came on with about ten minutes left but it wasn't a bad showing, linking well with his teammates and a nice long crossfield pass as well.
