Kim Ju-Sung is a 22-year-old left-footed Centre-Back from South Korea who plays for FC Seoul. Kim is a graduate of FC Seoul academy and has spent time on loan to Gimcheon Sangmu (K League 2). Kim has made the jump up to being a regular starter for FC Seoul this season and is rightly receiving praise for his performances. He has made one international appearance for South Korea, in a much-weakened team against Hong Kong.
Player Profile:
- Nationality: South Korea
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 12/12/2000
- Current club: FC Seoul
- Career: FC Seoul, Gimcheon Sangmu (L)
- Position: Centre-Back
- Secondary Position: Left-Back
- Preferred foot: Left
Kim stands at roughly 1,88 m, with a robust physical presence. FC Seoul plays a very highline, Liverpool esque, where the South Korean possesses good pace to make recovery runs and tackles. Kim is left-footed but is comfortable using his weaker right foot.
Kim Ju-Sung reeks of confidence on the ball and is a key part of FC Seoul’s build-up phases. FC Seoul deploys different variations to their build-up, depending on the opposition, a 2-4 or a 3-2. The 22-year-old operates centrally in the 3 and on the left in the 2. Kim’s passing range isn’t expansive and typically looks to find the pivot (Osmar) or the left-back (Park Soo-II), however, when an opportunity arises to play through the lines he will take advantage of it. Kim is really press-resistant combining his vision and confidence to play through the opposition press. The South Korean is much more press resistant than his teammates, and at times Kim does play them under pressure and at risk of losing the ball in dangerous positions. It is clear he prioritises ball retention rather than kicking the ball long. When given time and space on the ball, Kim looks to progressively carry the ball and look to play through the opposition lines, beating the opposition’s first line of defence.
Defensively FC Seoul rely on Kim Ju-Sung heavily – he has a strong tactical understanding of what is expected. FC Seoul wants to press their opposition high, which results in a high defensive line. A common trait Kim displayed was aggressively stepping up with the opposition as they look to drop into pockets to receive the ball, and if he was beaten he possess the pace to make the recovery tackle to prevent any imminent danger. Kim Ju-Sung has good defensive awareness and acknowledges when he needs to drop off and provide cover, or step up and man-mark his opposite number. The 22-year-old defends the 6-yard box very well, positioning his body well to negate any danger. Despite being 1,88 m, Kim was disappointing when it came to his aerial efforts, a lot of miss-timed efforts or just not being aggressive enough. Furthermore, Kim can be too relaxed whilst defending in the box, not being aggressive or close enough to the opposition.
To Summarise, Kim Ju-Sung is having an excellent season, and he’s finally established himself as a key player for FC Seoul. His contract expires at the end of 2023, and I have no doubt in my mind clubs from Europe will be interested in his service. Kim still has a lot to improve on, but I strongly believe he has a great future in the game for club and country.
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