First of all, let's have a brief overview of the 2022 South Korean national football team 12-strong squad for the qualifying round. There are 4 goalkeepers, including Kim Seung-gyu, Song Bum-keun, Jo Hyeon-woo, Kim Dong-jun. For defenders, the team has Kwon Kyung-won, Kim Min-jae, Kim Jin-su, Kim Moon-hwan, Lee Yong, Park Ji-soo, and Choi Chul-soon. In midfield, there are Hwang In-beom, Lee Kang-in, Na Sang-ho, Moon Seon-min, Lee Dong-gyeong, Kim Jae-sung, Han Chan-hee, Lee Myung-joo, and Kwon Chang-hoon. Lastly, the forwards consist of Hwang Ui-jo, Kim Shin-wook, and Na Sang-ho.
Now let's breakdown the squad and discuss each position in detail:
1. Goalkeepers:Kim Seung-gyu (J1 League Sanfrecce Hiroshima): Kim Seung-gyu is an experienced goalkeeper who has played in Japan's top league and has represented the national team in various competitions. He is known for his shot-stopping abilities and commanding presence in the box.
Song Bum-keun (K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Starting as a youth goalkeeper, Song Bum-keun has developed into a reliable shot-stopper for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. With his agility and reflexes, Song has impressed the national team coaches.
Jo Hyeon-woo (K League 1 Ulsan Hyundai): Jo Hyeon-woo gained international recognition during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he produced outstanding performances. He is known for his excellent positioning and ability to make crucial saves.
Kim Dong-jun (K League 1 Jeju United): As a young and promising goalkeeper, Kim Dong-jun has shown great potential. His quick reflexes and distribution skills make him a valuable asset to the team.
2. Defenders:Kwon Kyung-won (J1 League Vissel Kobe): Kwon Kyung-won is a solid center-back who has played in the J1 League. His aerial prowess and physicality make him a strong presence in defense.
Kim Min-jae (Chinese Super League Beijing Guoan): Known as "The Monster," Kim Min-jae is an imposing center-back who excels in both defensive and offensive aspects of the game. He is one of the key defenders for the national team.
Kim Jin-su (K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Kim Jin-su is a versatile left-back who can contribute both defensively and offensively. He possesses good crossing and tackling abilities.
Kim Moon-hwan (K League 1 Busan IPark): Kim Moon-hwan is a young and talented right-back who has shown great potential. He is known for his speed and overlapping runs in attack.
Lee Yong (K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Lee Yong is an experienced right-back who provides stability and defensive solidity. He has been a consistent performer for both club and country.
Park Ji-soo (K League 1 Suwon Samsung Bluewings): Park Ji-soo is a versatile defender who can play in central defense or as a right-back. He has good anticipation and positioning.
Choi Chul-soon (K League 1 FC Seoul): Choi Chul-soon is a reliable defender who plays for FC Seoul in the K League 1. His ability to read the game and make crucial tackles makes him an asset to the team.
3. Midfielders:Hwang In-beom (Major League Soccer D.C. United): Hwang In-beom is a dynamic midfielder known for his technical skills and vision. He can dictate the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities.
Lee Kang-in (La Liga Valencia): Lee Kang-in is a highly talented attacking midfielder who has great dribbling skills and creativity. He has the ability to unlock defenses and provide assists to his teammates.
Na Sang-ho (K League 1 Pohang Steelers): Na Sang-ho is an energetic midfielder who can play as a central midfielder or on the wings. He has good passing abilities and can contribute with goals.
Moon Seon-min (K League 1 Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Moon Seon-min is a skillful winger who can create chances with his dribbling and crossing abilities. He has good pace and agility.
Lee Dong-gyeong (K League 1 Ulsan Hyundai): Lee Dong-gyeong is a young and promising midfielder who has shown great potential. He has good vision and passing range.
Kim Jae-sung (Saudi Pro League Al Nassr): Kim Jae-sung is an experienced midfielder who has played in the Saudi Pro League. He is known for his work rate and ability to control the midfield.
Han Chan-hee (K League 1 Jeju United): Han Chan-hee is a versatile midfielder who can play in various positions. He has good technical skills and can contribute with goals and assists.
Lee Myung-joo (K League 1 Gwangju FC): Lee Myung-joo is a central midfielder who provides stability and control in the midfield. He has good passing range and can dictate the tempo of the game.
Kwon Chang-hoon (Ligue 1 Dijon): Kwon Chang-hoon is an attacking midfielder who has impressed in the French top league. He has good dribbling skills and can score goals from midfield.
4. Forwards:Hwang Ui-jo (Ligue 1 Bordeaux): Hwang Ui-jo is the main striker for the national team and has a proven goal-scoring record. He is known for his positioning and finishing ability.
Kim Shin-wook (K League 1 Ulsan Hyundai): Kim Shin-wook is a towering striker who provides a physical presence in attack. He is strong in the air and can score goals with his head.
Na Sang-ho (K League 1 Pohang Steelers): Na Sang-ho is a versatile forward who can play as a striker or on the wings. He has good pace and can create scoring opportunities.
In conclusion, the South Korean national football team has selected a strong and balanced squad for the 2022 qualifying round. The team is comprised of experienced players who have proven themselves both domestically and internationally. The inclusion of players from top leagues such as the J1 League, Chinese Super League, La Liga, and Ligue 1, highlights the quality of the squad. With a mix of experienced veterans and young talents, the South Korean national football team aims to secure their spot in the World Cup.