Kim Ji-su (19-Seongnam FC) has been hailed by leading media outlets as a symbol of solidity for the Korean national team at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023.메이저사이트
“Kim Ji-soo is a defender who is already on the radar of European teams with her imposing physique (192 centimeters tall) and good touch on the ball. She is the heart and soul of a strong and tenacious U-20 Korean team,” Chile’s El Mercurio reported in its U-20 World Cup feature.
The 195-year-old El Mercurio is one of the nine largest daily newspapers in South America. It is also the world’s oldest continuously published Spanish-language newspaper. “South Korea reached the final of the 2019 U-20 World Cup, defeating the likes of Argentina, Senegal, and Ecuador,” it added.
Kim Ji-soo looks on during the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2023 group stage match against France. Photo courtesy of the Korea Football Association
South Korea pulled off an upset on Wednesday, defeating favorite France 2-1 in their first match of Group F at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Kim Ji-soo, a full-time center back who made 15 defensive contributions, including 9 interceptions, 2 clearances, 2 contested shots, 1 blocked shot, and 1 tackle, helped secure the win.
As good as his man-to-man defense, which did not allow a breakthrough, was his passing, with a success rate of 96.9% (31/32), including two long balls over 22.86 meters to teammates. ‘El Mercurio’ also praised him for his “overwhelming physicality and good technique.”
This year, Kim Ji-soo was the subject of transfer rumors from Bayern Munich (Germany) in January to Sporting (Portugal) and Brentford (England) in May. He has received interest from the UEFA league ranking No. 1 England, No. 3 Germany, No. 7 Portugal, No. 2 Munich, and No. 33 Sporting.
‘El Mercurio’ is positive about his current form as well as his potential, stating that he is “well-conditioned for his age”. Kim has already made more than 40 official appearances for South Korea, playing 21 games for the U17-20 national team and Seongnam FC.
South Korea will take on Honduras in their second Group F match of the U-20 World Cup 2023 at 6 a.m. on June 26. El Mercurio reports that South Korea (16) has the most experience in the tournament after Brazil (19), the United States and Argentina (17).