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. Jurgen Klinsmann's leadership has instilled a singular objective in the South Korean squad for this Asian Cup iteration: to pull out all stops in clinching the championship and restoring their prominence in Asian football. Despite their status as a formidable force in Asian football, the Taeguk Warriors have not claimed such a victory in over six decades, and the Korean populace's thirst for triumph is palpable.
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.
South Korea's roster comprises 26 players worth a total of 193 million euros, an impressive figure yet less than Japan's 317 million euros, suggesting a disparity in team depth. 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.
Offensively, South Korea features an impressive lineup including Son Heung-min and Wolverhampton's Hwang Hee-chan, who has notably hit double figures in Premier League goals in just half a season and commands the team's top salary, reaching his peak performance this season. 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 this page roles during matches, 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.
On defense, Kim Min-jae is the linchpin, especially since joining Bayern Munich, where he continually exhibits elite center-back prowess, overpowering European strikers and effortlessly standing out in Asian tournaments. The 2023 South Korean Player of the Year, Kim Min-jae, aims to validate his award with a strong performance 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.
Overall, the South Korean team is endowed with significant star talent and key players who can dictate the pace of games, but their limited bench strength, particularly in comparison to Japan, might play a pivotal role in crucial matches. If South Korea is to surpass their arch-rivals, their success might hinge on the strategic expertise of their coach.