New season almost begins! Only one match for this weekend, accounting for Park Joo Ho not part of first team, but real football is back.
Since only one match, I've spend lunch break adding some minor updates to the rest of the guys. But the window is still very open, and friendlies are a tough thing to judge, so take all with a grain of salt, especially as I've watched very little summer friendlies.
On the watching note, NBC has spun Extra Time off into an annoying online only $50 subscription service: Premier League Pass. Fox Soccer 2 Go has also rebranded as Fox Soccer Match Pass. Sigh.
Kwon Chang Hoon -- Dijon go to Marseille (Sunday 3PM ET - BeIn) - KCH started last friendly in a sign that he's currently in the first XI, and apparently did well in the second half. It is a tough opponent such that ODO may go with a more conservative option.
Ji Dong Won -- Ji has missed past few practices and a friendly with a leg injury though reports are that its minor and is being limited to running for precautionary reasons. He's been playing as sub attacker, in winger and CAM roles. Missing training likely means that sub role will continue but as we saw last season, he should get plenty of minutes.
Koo Ja Cheol -- Koo's returned and looked good given injury, playing both CM and AM roles.
Park Joo Ho -- He's been exiled to reserve team and I imagine battle of how much contract to pay out is the point of contention blocking his outright release. The lack of rumors is concerning and may be adding to the delay.
Lee Chung Yong -- He missed out on team trip due to "injury" but he appears to be easing his way back, playing for reserves (with manager watching) and retaining a first team number.
Ki Sung Yueng -- He's missed all of summer training so far with injury and I've not read of a return. Roque Mesa appears to be playing Britton role, so it looks like Ki will be backing up Fer and Carroll to start the season if he can get on the pitch.
Son Heung Min -- Also missing most of everything this preseason is Son though he's now returned to non-contact drills. Interestingly, Tottenham haven't bought anyone yet so they must be expecting him to contribute soon as there really isn't much depth right now.
