Transfer Profile: Yun Sukyoung

FC Seoul began their summer transfer business with the loan signing of former Queens Park Rangers, Brondby, and Kashiwa Reysol left-back Yun Sukyoung. K League United spoke with FootballRadar.com's Sam Robson to get the low down on what FC Seoul fans can expect from their team's latest acquisition.
(Image via FC Seoul)


How was he viewed at Kashiwa? League wide?

There was definite intrigue and excitement when Yun’s signing was announced, but unfortunately Kashiwa and the J.League were unable to see the very best of Yun Sukyoung. He suffered a thigh injury prior to the start of the 2017, with a debut delayed until June 2017. After working his way back to fitness he managed a very positive couple of months as he helped Kashiwa move up the table, but then a hamstring injury in October ended his season. This season has not gone much better. He was left off the AFC Champions League squad for the 2018 Group Stages, and managed just 6 starts as he found himself as the odd one out in Kashiwa’s fulfillment of the J.League foreign quota

Strongest aspects of his game?

Despite his limited involvement, I was particularly impressed with his one on one defending from his left back role, he is not the quickest defender but his positioning was more often than not, spot on. He times his tackles well and was rarely beaten by opposition wingers.

Weaknesses?

Yun is a decent passer of the ball, but he did struggle when asked to get forward which is a major reason why he has been replaced by the energetic Masashi Kamekawa. At Kashiwa full backs are asked to contribute to the attack, but Yun found himself a little out of his depth in this aspect. As mentioned before he does not have particularly great pace, and he often lost possession when dribbling, which caused attacks to break down and Kashiwa to be countered on.

Reason for leaving?

Yun has fallen victim of the J.League’s Foreign Quota ruling, and this is a major reason for his exit from Kashiwa. Reysol have two terrific foreign talents in forward roles, Cristiano, and former Jeonbuk man Kim BoKyung. In addition to these two players Ramon Lopes offers a different dimension to the attack while Yun has missed out to fellow Korean defenders Park Jeong-Su,who at 24 is developing nicely into a dominant central defender. With no further room in the quota, Yun has not been in plenty of squads this season so will be looking for regular football following his switch to FC Seoul.

Where do you think he would be best utilized with FC Seoul?

Yun’s best role is certainly at left back, he is a steady and reliable performer in that role, and Seoul would be best served in starting him there. Yun could be employed as a wingback on that left hand side, but I do feel this would expose his limited qualities in attack and take him out of his comfort zone.

What should K League fans expect from him?

K League fans should expect to see a steady performer, diligent in all his work and a player who does not make too many mistakes. Hopefully he can remain injury free and get back to playing regularly and to the levels which saw him capped by Korea.

Best moment with Kashiwa Reysol?

Yun’s best moment in a Reysol shirt, probably came at the start of this season, where his fine assists wrapped up a 3-0 win for Kashiwa against Muangthong in the Asian Champions League Playoffs.