| Day | Time | Player | Club | Opponent | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | 8:45 AM | Hwang Ui Jo | Bordeaux | @Strasbourg (Cup) | None |
| Wednesday | 8:45 AM | Yun Il Lok | Montpellier | Toulouse (Cup) | None |
| Wednesday | 3:15 PM | Son Heung Min | Tottenham | @Everton (Cup) | ESPN+ |
Hwang Ui Jo-- As I mentioned last week, the life of a CF in this side and system can be frustrating with chances for touches being rare, let alone quality scoring opportunities. It wasn't great until an hour into the match when Hwang made a smart run on a long ball and took advantage of a bad turn by the defender and scraped the ball inside the post despite his shot being scuffed and mishit. Oddly subbed off right after scoring and Bordeaux finally caved on the defensive end to a loss. I don't know how seriously Gasset will take the midweek match, but I'd expect to see HUJ start given early sub off.
Yun Il Lok-- Left out of squad which isn't great news ahead of what might have been a decent chance for minutes. Not expecting much if he does make the squad. A weird turn for Yun.
Son Heung Min-- It always helps to face a relegation candidate when you're struggling for confidence though Tottenham have struggled against such "easy" opposition before. Though a lot of the brighter performance was rightfully attributed to Kane's return or the caliber of opponent, I also think adding extra attackers was just as impactful. As for Son himself, with all the attackers he was more of a playmaker for better and for worse, with one good chance where he didn't quite get all of it but otherwise a bit quiet in the box. But as he's done often this season, Son found a way to score which was mostly about running at full speed almost the full length of the pitch and still finding the energy to put in a quality finish. But back on the teammate aspect, was really helped by a great Kane touch and an outstanding run by Lucas as well. I'd suspect that Mourinho has this cup ranked lowest on his priorities but they will want to keep positive momentum into Man City. I'm leaning to a start but would prefer him rested.
Paik Seung Ho-- An unused sub in what has been a strange season for Paik between being part of the offensive core to completely unused. I imagine its due to Darmstadt's defensive problems but you would think he would come on for final minutes when they were trailing.
Ji Dong Won-- Scored a nice goal and apparently had a good match even if it was another disappointing result for his side.
Jeong Woo Yeong-- I thought his opportunity had gone last week but with Sallai still out, Streich went again with Jeong who rewarded him with a great goal, with a touch to control then a rocket with his left foot just inside the post. Jeong was having a good showing before the goal, with a lot more maturity in his play: more willing to play the simple pass and more intelligent with his positioning and movement. It wasn't a surprise to hear commentators mention how well he was exploiting the space just outside the box... where he scored his goal. If there was a complaint, it was a mishit shot earlier from a similar spot which did force the GK to fumble the save but was in itself not a great shot. Jeong was subbed off after 70 after a very good showing.
Kwon Chang Hoon-- Still out injured.
Lee Jae Sung-- Started off as a tidy but unremarkable showing for the first half, playing as a left midfielder. Then before halftime, Lee pushed up a bit further and chipped in a great throughball for Kiel's striker who was fouled for a PK that led to the first goal. Sensing blood, LJS was moved to a more attacking role for the second half. Soon, LJS demanded the ball to start the counter and set the ball forward to the winger, and a good return cross in found LJS. Though his first stab at the ball was saved, LJS was able to knock in the rebound for Kiel's second goal. And so it was for the rest of the match with LJS playing band-aid to any issues, and spent much of the final minutes at RM. Kiel's promotion push stays alive and a lot can be attributed to LJS.
Choi Kyoung Rok-- Played 90 again in a scoreless draw.
Hwang Hee Chan-- Came on with 7 minutes left with Leipzig in control vs. bottom of the table Schalke. He had a decent chance to score but he got a bit too on top of the header and it was saved. Hwang showed some good pace and energy so hopefully leading to more meaningful chances.
Lee Kang In-- An usused sub and it feels like another season will be wasted. I can't believe we're in this situation.
