Grading Korean Players After 3 Matches First, regardless of how we played the last 30 minutes against the Nigerians I am thankful we made it into the knockout stage. If you take an objective view of all the teams I think most would say Korea was the second best team by a hair. Here's my grades for ALL THREE GAMES (I like grades better than the 10 point scale because there isn't a common reference for understanding what the numbers mean). Park Ju Young, B-. He's missed a lot of chances, given up an own goal, but gave Korea the one goal that would eventually send them to the second round. Without that goal, I'd give him a D+. Park Ji Sung, B+: He's our best player obviously and had a great goal against Greece but hasn't be very dominate the last two games. Still, he plays smart, doesn't lose the ball that often, and makes good runs for the full 90 minutes. Yeom Ki Hun, C-: He can really really run filling those counter-attacking lanes which is why I think he's chosen by Huh to start. The only problem is he loses the ball with high frequency and has been off target with his shots. The irony is, I thought he was starting to play well when he was subbed out for Kim Nam Il (who subsequently gave up a penalty). If he could just hold the ball better he would be such an asset with his running and crossing ability. Lee Chong Young, A-: He's been very solid and consistent all 3 games. He's difficult to strip the ball from, is a great runner, and passes almost as well as Park Ji Sung. He is the only other player besides Park Ji Sung that is headed to a elite club. Ki Sung Young, C+: In my opinion he's been OK, not too bad not very impressive. I was expecting more pin point long balls and/or combination plays with the forwards. Kim Jung Woo, C+: I remember he completely dominated the Japanese in our pre-World Cup friend. Since then he's been OK. He's very good at poking the ball away and he hasn't given up too many fouls. I guess that's what we should expect from him. Lee Young Pyo, B: He's was great against the Greeks but less impressive against Argentina and Nigeria. He hasn't made many crosses and his shots are a waste of time. However, when he gets the ball on the left sidelines he always seems to be in control of the situation. Cha Du Ri, C+: Great playing both games but one huge defensive blunder. That goal from Nigeria was totally stoppable. Would Oh Beom Suk stopped that goal? Lee Jung Soo, A-. Without his offense Korea probably ends up last in the group. His play on set pieces is the reason why we are still in this. A few dumb give-aways on defense pulls his grade down to an A-. Cho Young Hyung, B. I really like his guy. He's really really quick to the ball and you can tell he has a lot of ball skills. I just wish he was bigger and more imposing. Jung Sung Ryong, B-. He's done well with the exception of the second goal from Argentina.
Re: Grading Korean Players After 3 Matches Pretty good assessment but I'd give a better grade for LYP - he's shown composure, experience, and good ball handling. A lot of the other guys rush and give up possession too easily. I'd also give a lower grade for PJY. Although he did score the equaliser in today's match he just can't seem to finish and has lost too many opportunities.
Re: Grading Korean Players After 3 Matches Park Ju Young B Park Ji Sung B+ Yeom Ki Hun C Lee Chung Young A- Ki Sung Youngg B- Kim jung woo C Lee young Pyo A- Cha Du Ri border line C+ and B- hard to say Lee Jung Soo A Cho yong Hyung B = he bad against argentina but who wasn't
Re: Grading Korean Players After 3 Matches Ki Sung Yueng - A for his set piece deliveries alone and great link up play in the second half of today's game. Hope to see him play more in the upcoming games!
Re: Grading Korean Players After 3 Matches My Grades Park Ju Young, B+. Yea, the own goal sucked... And yes, he's missed a few chances. But he got the goal on the FK and came close on a second. If he were stronger on the ball, he'd have another one. Not an amazing performance, but still really good. Certainly better than our other options at forward. Park Ji Sung, B+: Completely owned the Greece game. Could not do anything from the middle in the Argentina game and I thought he actually ran out of gas near the end of the Nigeria game. Still our captain and does well in space and off the ball. Yeom Ki Hun, C+: Great running off the ball and creates space for other players. He's not so good on the ball, though. Lee Chong Young, B+: Love watching him for so many reasons. Unfortunately, he disappears for stretches of the game. That said, he's clearly part of the strength of this team. Ki Sung Young, B: OK as a holding midfielder, but amazing as a FK specialist. I wish he had more stamina as I think he could be a lot better. Kim Jung Woo, C: Very disappointing defensively. OK offensively. Loses the ball too easily for me. Lee Young Pyo, B+: His runs down the flank often set up our offense, which in this world cup is getting to the final third and getting a foul and score off of set pieces. Our most solid defender IMO. Cha Du Ri, C-: Was good vs. Greece but was terrible vs. Nigeria. His crosses could be better when he joins the attack. Lee Jung Soo, B. Surprise of the tournament. Seems to have a knack for finding space on set pieces. Defensively, he's ok. Needs to mark better, especially off the ball. Cho Young Hyung, B-. Is good when defending the ball, but not when defending off the ball. Gets caught too often letting defenders come through unmarked. Jung Sung Ryong, C+. 6 goals in 3 games does not a great goal keeper make. Very good reflexes, but not so good at positioning. Seems to me like he needs more seasoning. Oh Beom Seok, C-. He got killed in the Argentina game. Unfortunately, Cha isn't much better defensively. Kim Nam Il, D. That foul in the penalty area was atrocious. He really should have received a straight red. Also stunk against Argentina.
How do you rate the players so far? Jung Sung Ryong - 7: Well done, sir. Your first world cup and you gave me all the confidence that you are and can truely be our no.1. Though the records wont be nice to see. 3 matches, 6 goals conceeded. Cho Yong Hyung - 6.5: Very much a mixed bag. Good showing against Greece, terrible showing against Argentina and alright against Nigeria. He and Lee will be very vital in our match against Uruguay so he better concentrate and dont carried away with our celebration. Lee Jung Soo - 7: Two goals against Greece and Nigeria shows that he truely is our top striker(?). Sometimes, he did look suspect against Greece and Nigeria but it was nothing messy. However, the match against Argentina showed all the wrongside of Jung Soo. Cha Du Ri- 8: A machine going forward but still looks uneasy with basic defending. The only notable mistake he made was the Nigeria's first goal but looking back in the two matches, he was vital in taking care of the right side, expecially against the Greeks. Our first choice right back. Lee Young Pyo - 8: The experienced defender showed that he still has it in him. Whenever e gets on the ball, i feel at ease. However some of his crossing(?) shots(?) against Nigeria is concerning. But all in all, thumbs up to the man. Kim Jung Woo - 7: Again, very much mixed bag. Apart from the Argentina match, he was considerably solid. His vital interceptions on Yak when he was about to shoot was very very important. Needs to work on his passing and physical battles, and needs to learn how to concentrate throughout the whole 90 mins. Ki Seung Yeung - 7: His passing has been superb and has had couple of assists. He should forget the Argentina match, and concentrate on the other South American opponents. Park Ji Sung - 8.5: The captain has been our player of the tournament so far and probably isnt a surprise to all. He is such a different player compared to the Manchester United Park Ji Sung. The only problem with him is the haircut. Lee Chung Yong - 8: Oh how so close was he to scoring a second WC goal against the Nigerians in the beginning. His tricky and pacey movements has always been a problem to the opponents. If we had another Chung Yong's on the field against the Arggies the other day, we would have won. Yeom Ki Hun - 6: If it wasnt for that miss against Argentina, he would have got a really higher mark. Played exceptionally against Greece, played reasonably well against Nigeria but played absoulately dogshite against the Group toppers. Dont know if he will play against Uruguay, but he might. Park Chu Young- 7: Forget the own goal, his freekick goal was superb (even if the goalie was stupid) and should have another with his long range freekick. He could have more on the goal tally if he had finished the chances he got against the Greeks and Nigerians. Still, he is our top striker. Subs: Kim Nam Il - 5.5: Had we not progressed, Nam Il would have had to live in his Siberian home forever. Clearly, he is passed his best but can still be a valuable asset to us. Oh Beom Suk - 4: Oh dear. Played one match against Argentina and played horribly. Nothing much to say. Others - N/A: Time-wasters.
i think park chu young has been underrated by most so far... hasn't put away many of his chances but he's been generating a lot for our offense
Following Jitevra's layout thing. Jung Sung Ryong - 7.5; Good stuff. I thought Korea had absolutely nothing besides LWJ. I liked this guy a bit but was still uncertain whether he'd show up. He certainly did, and although he coulda done better v Argentina, he was still solid with that brilliant save v. Di Maria, and was very good vs Greece as well as Nigeria. I like his languid look, gives me this sense of calmness when I see him hunched, chilled, between the sticks Cho Yong Hyung - 6.5; Impressed me very much vs Greece. Showed great sense of composure and won headers against a team who was well recognized for being 'tall.' Looked lost and straight up scared vs Argentina, but did end up redeeming himself tonight v Nigeria. Could ask for more from him positional-wise, but really no complaints. Nice Lee Jung Soo - 7.5; I was really worried about Kwak Tae Hwi not being in this tournament. Well, as cruel as it sounds, not anymore. Leading our scoreboards with two goals from two set pieces definitely makes him on the look out when it comes to poking the ball into the back of the net. Also looks good out back with Cho Yong Hyung. Same applies for LJS with CYH. Only gets that extra 1+ coz he's saved our hide more than once. They're both very solid centerbacks though. No real big complaints Cha Du Ri- 6.5; If this was just the Greece game, I'd be a totally different rating. But after the Nigeria game, I could see why certain bs posters were concerned with this guy prior to the World Cup. He's certainly athletic--one of the most built guys on the team, and his quickness is huge in his game. Wish he would do more defensively though--sometimes there are lapses in concentration and what not, but nothing too big. Of course, would had said differently if we didn't get through tonight . Would like to see more from him, but hey, that's prolly because he plays on the opposite wing of our best player Lee Young Pyo - 9; Somebody give this guy a medal or something. He's been absolutely solid. A fckin rock. Swear to god, sometimes I'm thinking to myself 'why isn't he wearing the armband?' He's still got the technique us KNT fans love to see, is still quick, and is still great both offensively and defensively. Hell, he won us not one, but two free kicks which were converted to goals. Cool as a cucumber too. One of the very few that didn't bunker down and shit themselves v. Argentina. An absolute leader in the back and he's definitely put in 3 unbelievable performances to get us through. I honestly thought he was MoM tonight, and undeniably MoM v Greece too. This guy's everywhere, and I mean that in the best way possible. Kim Jung Woo - 7: What's so bad about this guy. Albeit his moments of retardation, he's seriously done well for the KNT. A little more work and I daresay he could become the next vacuum cleaner. He's done much better with cleaning up his tackles, and (if I do recall correctly) was the one who saved our asses v. Nigeria when he cleared the ball, getting rid of Yakubu's 1v1 vs. Jung Sung Ryong. So far so good, he doesn't cut the defense with insane passes, and doesn't put in amazing crosses, but hey, that's not his job. He wins possession back well most of the time, and that's all he needs to do. Well deserved 3 starts, and now won't be worried out of my mind when I seem him in the starting line-up Ki Seung Yong - 7; Given, this is the first time that I've actually seen Ki Seung Yong play (instead of youtube highlights). The dude's solid. He definitely has some skill when it comes to passing a football, and his set pieces are great. Definitely adds some 'oomph' in our offense, and he already gets the praise he deserves. Park Ji Sung - 8; Well, he's our captain for a reason. Very solid and he's almost like Kim Jung Woo without having to worry about sloppy fouls and adds an extra dimension in our attacking play. He's always there harrying the ball from opponents and definitely gives whoever we play no peace of mind. Captain Park at his finest, will definitely be looking forward to more courageous play from him to lead our team Lee Chung Yong - 8.5: This guy is a joy to watch. I NEVER worry when he's on the ball. I'm always anticipating what this guy is gonna do next. He's like PJS defensive-wise, and always pressures the ball when he's in the vicinity, and he adds a dimension into our game that I don't think a single Korean could ever manage to do. I love his technique, plays his way out of trouble damn well, and his short passing and first touch is incredible. Reads the game well and is definitely an invaluable member in our squad. He's only, what, 21? I can't wait to see where he goes as he ages. Yeom Ki Hun - 6: His miss v. Argentina gave me nightmares, but now that we're through, I can say I don't mind seeing his name on the teamsheet. v Greece, he was good, harrying the players and creating space, etc. But to be honest, I feel like I'm giving him praise that I don't think I can legitimately back up with what I've seen from him. His cross to PJY was absolute class, but other than that, don't really remember too much of him. Hope that changes v. Uruguay though Park Chu Young- 6.5; A given starter on our frontline, this guy did brilliantly v. Nigeria, but vs Greece and Argentina, didn't see much. Really could have started the competition with a flyer but got unlucky with Greece--but I'm giving him credit he deserves--least he got it on target. Really did himself proud with the performance he put in vs. Nigeria--classy passing, brilliant free kicks (even that long range one--where the hell did that come from) and now I'm hoping that we'll see more from him. Will be looking at this guy the most v. Uruguay. Subs: Kim Nam Il - 4: Solid vs. Greece, slipped a bit v Argentina...as for tonight, I'm sorry. That was ALL his fault. Admirable how he didn't want to play bbung chukgoo <--lmao spelling. by trying to hold up play, but with a sloppy first touch inside the box and then shitting brixs and going into a rash tackle right after losing the ball? :/ not the KNI I used to know. Hoping to see more...if he gets another chance Oh Beom Suk - 3: Got killed vs. The Argies. Gave away a Nigerian amount of free kicks, positioning was way off. I'm sorry, but I can't find things to praise about this guy. CDR is the better option Others - N/A: Time-wasters.
Park Juyoung, B: Better, but still lacks the edge. I still think this guy is worthless as a striker. Korea's best? Maybe... Does that make him better? No. Park Jisung, B+: He grew a 4th lung. Constantly pressing, which was a good sign. He was somewhat of a ghost at times, but he kept pressing the opponents. Yeom Kihun, C-: It's Yeom, what more can you expect. Lee Chongyoung, A-: This kid has a bright future ahead of him. Possibly the korean reincarnation of a lightweight C. Ronaldo (minus all of the diving and whining and homosexuallity) Ki Sungyoung, A-: His set pieces are pure gold... Don't believe me? Just look at the goals Korea has scored. Tells you something that this creative midfielder is crucial for Korea. Kim Jungwoo, D: Give this poor man some food. Looks like skelletor. For the love of god, start hanging out with Lee Woonjae. Lee Youngpyo, A: Quality... Dare I say, world class. He still got it... He might not have been all that great at Tottenham, but he definitely still has it in him. A true example of how a leftback should be... Kinda reminded me of evra at times, pushing hard up front with an attacking mindset. It will be a sad day when this man retires as it will be hard for Korea to have a better leftback than this guy. Cha Duri, C: Dissappointing but nonetheless still a better option than "Oh Bum Suck my Nuts". Lee Jungsoo, B+: Finds better space than all of the strikers combined... Sad, but true... Not so sad is this kid... his confidence level must be up the roof. Not a pretty finish, but a goal's a goal. Well done. Cho Younghyung, C+: Bulk up, you're a defender... The more I look at you, the more I feel you are hanging out with Kim Jungwoo. This guy needs to close the gaps in the defensive holes... Every time the ball was near him, I reckoned something wrong would happen. Jung Sungryong, B-: Could not do much with a defense that constantly gets its a$$hole ripped apart. Our defense is officially goatse'd... and Jung Sungryong takes most of that pain. Oh Beomsuck, D-: I don't want to look at you ever again. Kim Namil, F-: Vacuum cleaner? Must be this one: Namil is officially useless alongside Oh bum suck and Kang Minsoo. Kang Minsoo: You didn't play but you have the most punchable face in the world. Kim Dongjin: This guy has the advantage of being the ugliest player in the WC. Should use his face as an advantage to psych players out. Huh: You clueless fcktard.
I think you guys are being a bit hard on KNI. Yes his pk foul was unforgiveable, but i still rate him higher than KJW. Infact, i would rather have him over KJW.
eh thats crazy to be honest. If you said KNI was better than Kim Jung Wo o during his prime, then i wouldnt disagree but at the very moment, Jung Woo is more useful. His interception when Yak was about to shoot into goal was gold. There isnt much Kim Nam Il can say that he deserves a merit to be in the starting line-up over Jung Woo. In fact, at least Jung Woo doesnt give away stupid and needless penalty in a crucial game at a crucial time.
KJW has a tendency to 'show off' in our own half and do something stupid like backheeling it to the opposing team. Scares the living sh1t out of me
Player ratings vs. Nigeria Jung Sung-Ryong: 5. Man, you worry me. You don't seem to have that calm collected feel that the Michelin Tire Ma... err... LWJ does, but I guess you better learn under fire quick. Lee Jung-Soo: 7. Aside from your average defending, where did you pick up this knack for scoring off set pieces? Wowza... I'll buy you a drink if you ever come to DFW. Cho Yong-Hyung: 6. Not much to say about you, except that you didn't make any too huge mistakes. Still can't distribute out the back though. Would like to see the spirit of Hong possess you somehow. Cha Du-Ri: 6. Man, you make one mistake and that one mistakes cost us a goal! However, to your credit, you delivered at least 5-6 crosses into the box with some accuracy on most. Loved the fact that giving up an early blunder didn't cause you to crawl into a shell and become tentative. You kept maruading down the flank, so a good Korean style "HWAITING!" is for you! Lee Young-Pyo: 7. Steady as she goes, skipper! Man never seems to lose his cool when he has the ball at his feet. Loved the fact that he scream at his fellow players when Ki and KJW fouled up a simple 4 yard pass in their half. Should of been the goalkeeper or center Ds doing the screaming, but LYP knows what to do. Kim Jung-Woo: 6. Eat more food. Gain weight. I can't write anymore because I just want to feed you. Ki Sung-Yueng: 6.5. Guy can sure drive a ball in off the corners. Would love to see him in the future be on the end of those lovely balls with his size, but can't have the best of both worlds, I suppose. Defensively, he's a step slow and for a young guy, he sure has the stamina of a lifelong chain smoker. Must be up all night playing Xbox before the matches. Yeom Ki-Hun: 5.5. You get a .5 extra for that lovely cross to PCY. And then you get subbed out. Hehe... Not sure why your starting ahead of King Ring and Meow Tabby, but I like your energy, I suppose. Not that it's doing any good. Lee Chung-Yong: 8. Best player on the squad through the first 3. Nuff said. I'm gonna go buy a LCY jersey as soon as I finish writing this. Park Ji-Sung: 7. Led by hard work and industry. Seem to be the best defensive midfielder on the pitch covering everywhere for Ki and Kim. In another life, you'd be Michael Essien/Javier Mascherano korean style. Park Chu-Young: 6.5. Very, very lucky for the goal. But hey, I'm sure you'll take it. Goalie should not have cheated, tsk tsk. Good running up front though and hold up play. Nice to see you come back to a semi AS Monaco form. Now score a damn goal!!!!!!!!!!! Subs: Kim Nam-Il: 2. Seems that I am typing the same thing in my last ratings thread. You came in to add some more defensive steel into the midfield and somehow escaped being the most villified man in South Korea when we equalized. No more World Cup, do not pass go, do not collect $200 dollars. Kim Jae-Sung: Good sub, as Ki was getting tired again. Came in and didn't Kim Nam anyone. Kim Dong-Jin: Killed time.