This week marks the beginning of the 2023 Asian Cup, where all competing teams are fine-tuning their strategies to capitalize on this opportunity to correct their shortcomings and excel in the tournament more info. Under the guidance of Jurgen Klinsmann, South Korea's team harbors a singular ambition for this Asian Cup: to exert every effort to secure the championship and reestablish their dominance in Asian football. Even as a recognized Asian football powerhouse, the Taeguk Warriors' absence of a victory in 64 years is noticeable, and the Korean public's yearning for a win is unmistakable.
According to the AFC's official data, the total market valuation of the 24 competing teams stands at 840 million euros, with an average team value of about 35.02 million euros, though only Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia have actually attained this level. These teams are naturally considered the prime contenders for the title, with the eventual winner likely to emerge from this group.
The South Korean team boasts 26 players with a combined market value of 193 million euros, which, though significant, falls short of Japan's 317 million euros, indicating a gap in squad depth more info. Led by the acclaimed Asian player Son Heung-min, South Korea's squad is not short on star power, yet their secondary lineup pales in comparison to the depth of Japan's Samurai Blue. The slight inferiority in the strength of their substitutes might be a disadvantage in the longer format of the tournament.
In the offensive department, South Korea's lineup is studded with stars like Son Heung-min and Wolverhampton's Hwang Hee-chan, who has impressively scored double digits in the Premier League in half a season and is the team's highest-paid player, peaking this season more info. This Asian Cup is set to be a highlight for him. Players like Jeong Woo-yeong of SC Freiburg and Hwang In-beom of Celtic also consistently deliver strong performances in Asian competitions, particularly the formidable striker Jeong, who is keen to make his mark.
In the midfield, Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain captures the spotlight with his remarkable performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League, displaying solid skills, strategic gameplay, and aptitude in both offensive and defensive transitions, though he must control his temperament more info. Europe-based players such as Jeong Woo-young, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, and Yang Hyun-jun also exhibit versatility, frequently switching roles during matches, try these out contributing to the Taeguk Warriors' formidable and unpredictable nature. Having proven themselves in the World Cup qualifiers, the Asian Cup should relatively be a less daunting challenge for them.
Defensively, Kim Min-jae stands as the team's backbone, particularly after his move to Bayern Munich, where he has consistently demonstrated elite center-back skills, dominating European forwards and naturally excelling in Asian competitions. Kim Min-jae, honored as the 2023 South Korean Player of the Year, is set to affirm his accolade with a robust showing in the Asian Cup. However, the rest of the defense comprises a blend of experienced and young players, such as well-known figures in China like Kim Young-gwon, Kim Jin-su, and Kim Tae-hwan, alongside K League players like Lee Ki-je and Jeong Seung-hyun, who have yet to play abroad, marking a slight disparity in overall skill.
Regarding goalkeepers, Kim Seung-gyu, Song Bum-keun, and Jo Hyeon-woo hold stable positions, though Jo Hyeon-woo is no longer the primary choice, which might lead to missing out on his remarkable makeup skills.
In summary, the South Korean squad possesses substantial star quality and influential players capable of controlling matches, yet their comparative lack of depth in reserves, especially against Japan, could be decisive in important encounters. To triumph over their primary rivals, South Korea might need to depend on the tactical wisdom of their head coach.