Tuesday
Yun Il Lok -- Montpellier host Lyon at 3PM on BeIN -- Yun was an unused sub this weekend and unclear how much was a function of the scoreline, his health or what. Hopefully he comes off the bench but don't know his standing.
Yun Il Lok -- Montpellier host Lyon at 3PM on BeIN -- Yun was an unused sub this weekend and unclear how much was a function of the scoreline, his health or what. Hopefully he comes off the bench but don't know his standing.
Thursday
Son Heung Min -- Tottenham go to Lokomotiv Plovdiv at Noon. Son started and was the focus of the attack and provided some good danger with his pace to get behind Everton's defensive line. Some press focused on Son passing by Kane to feed Alli but it looked like a good decision to me and a high scoring opportunity regardless. Unfortunately, everything fell apart in the second half with no semblance of organization in the midfield and Son rarely got any touches on the ball. The second half was incredibly disappointing and a potential season of such ineptitude is very worrisome. It should be easier this week but they'll want to progress. We'll see who starts but Son should at least be on the bench. TV unclear at this point: hopefully on CBS All Access at least. UPDATE: Bleacher Report will carry, hopefully free on app/website and also to those still subscribing (which you shouldn't).
Recap
Ji Dong Won -- Disappointing to hear that he has more knee problems and was out of the squad.
Hwang Ui Jo -- Another bad offensive team performance which results in a similarly weak performance with Hwang who benefits from fluidity of which there was none. His moment was a good cross to nobody which kind of sums up the match. Was subbed off towards the final 20 minutes or so.
Hwang Hee Chan -- Now this was a bright spot. Yes we saw HHC's usual problems with first touch and frequent technical mistakes, but on a side like Leipzig built around high attack tempo we can start to see how well he can fit in. His first goal involvement was this in a nutshell, with Leipzig's press resulting in a loose ball at his feet. A bit clumsy, the chance to score went away but he battled and found a teammate who would setup the first goal. On the second was nicer with Hwang breaking in and crossing perfectly, and was rewarded with his own goal when Poulsen scrapped the ball for him to tap in. Being involved in all three goals despite his mistakes and obvious newness to the side is a good start and hopefully he carries into a higher level of competition in the Bundesliga.
Lee Jae Sung -- Kiel started off poorly but had one of the easier cup matches in Germany. With a brace, LJS won MOTM so apparently did well.
Paik Seung Ho -- This wasn't available on my feeds but did see highlight of him battling for a header to setup one goal. Started and played 70 minutes in an extra time win to avoid an upset.
Kwon Chang Hoon -- Started and scored a very nice goal on a first time half-volley and setup Jeong for what should have been an insurance goal. He quickly tired in the second half and was subbed off. Was not as good as during the friendly but on a battling day, had more than few good moments.
Jeong Woo Yeong -- Jeong's positive momentum continues and he showed some real confidence in using his pace and skills to create a lot of danger and complemented that with a very high work rate on defense. Unfortunately, he did manage to hit the crossbar from point-blank range from the aforementioned Kwon cross, and had the irony of having his own good cross turned into the crossbar by Grifo. But a very good showing for the young kid and played the whole match in a tight affair. Streich may be starting to get some confidence in Jeong at the perfect time with the BL starting this weekend.
Lee Kang In -- Had two assists, one from a corner and a much better one feeding a goal. Can't be blamed for Valencia's defensive difficulties from the 10 position, but his positive contributions did fluctuate a bit. That said, he was working hard with good pressing and continued confidence. And they did eventually get three points which will help build some positive momentum on a side desperate for it. A positive first step.
Ji Dong Won -- Disappointing to hear that he has more knee problems and was out of the squad.
Hwang Ui Jo -- Another bad offensive team performance which results in a similarly weak performance with Hwang who benefits from fluidity of which there was none. His moment was a good cross to nobody which kind of sums up the match. Was subbed off towards the final 20 minutes or so.
Hwang Hee Chan -- Now this was a bright spot. Yes we saw HHC's usual problems with first touch and frequent technical mistakes, but on a side like Leipzig built around high attack tempo we can start to see how well he can fit in. His first goal involvement was this in a nutshell, with Leipzig's press resulting in a loose ball at his feet. A bit clumsy, the chance to score went away but he battled and found a teammate who would setup the first goal. On the second was nicer with Hwang breaking in and crossing perfectly, and was rewarded with his own goal when Poulsen scrapped the ball for him to tap in. Being involved in all three goals despite his mistakes and obvious newness to the side is a good start and hopefully he carries into a higher level of competition in the Bundesliga.
Lee Jae Sung -- Kiel started off poorly but had one of the easier cup matches in Germany. With a brace, LJS won MOTM so apparently did well.
Paik Seung Ho -- This wasn't available on my feeds but did see highlight of him battling for a header to setup one goal. Started and played 70 minutes in an extra time win to avoid an upset.
Kwon Chang Hoon -- Started and scored a very nice goal on a first time half-volley and setup Jeong for what should have been an insurance goal. He quickly tired in the second half and was subbed off. Was not as good as during the friendly but on a battling day, had more than few good moments.
Jeong Woo Yeong -- Jeong's positive momentum continues and he showed some real confidence in using his pace and skills to create a lot of danger and complemented that with a very high work rate on defense. Unfortunately, he did manage to hit the crossbar from point-blank range from the aforementioned Kwon cross, and had the irony of having his own good cross turned into the crossbar by Grifo. But a very good showing for the young kid and played the whole match in a tight affair. Streich may be starting to get some confidence in Jeong at the perfect time with the BL starting this weekend.
Lee Kang In -- Had two assists, one from a corner and a much better one feeding a goal. Can't be blamed for Valencia's defensive difficulties from the 10 position, but his positive contributions did fluctuate a bit. That said, he was working hard with good pressing and continued confidence. And they did eventually get three points which will help build some positive momentum on a side desperate for it. A positive first step.
Choi Kyoung Rok -- Out injured
