Busan IPark 2019 Player Profiles
With returning favourites and exciting new talent joining the club this transfer window, Busan IPark's squad looks to be in good shape to mount a serious challenge for promotion this year. Here's a look at the players to watch out for in 2019.
Goalkeepers
1. Koo Sang-min (27)2018: 21 games; K League Total: 69 games
Signed for Busan in 2016 after being named the National League MVP the previous year when playing for Ulsan Dolphins. Has been the club's number one for the majority of his three years with Busan, and last year racked up a league high of twelve clean sheets. A solid shot stopper and particularly reliable at dealing with crosses. Holds the world record for the longest goal scored in football, scored direct from a goal kick when playing for Ulsan Dolphins.
25. Kim Jung-ho (20)
2018: 0 games; K League Total: 0 games
Yet to make a senior appearance, and likely to start the season as third-choice keeper.
31. Kim Hyeong-geun (25)
2018: 14 games; K League Total: 31 games
A former Korea U23 international, Kim has seen his playing time gradually increase in each of his three years with the club. Not as confident in the air as Koo Sang-min, but has promise as a shot stopper.
Defenders
2. Jeong Ho-jeong (30)2018: 21 games; K League Total: 162 games, 3 assists
An experienced campaigner and former vice-captain who offers solidity at centre back. Not the quickest, but reads the game well and is strong in the tackle and good in the air. Can also provide cover at full back.
3. Park Joon-gang (27)
2018: 14 games, 1 goal, 1 assist; K League Total: 96 games, 2 goals, 2 assists
Right back has been with the club since 2013. Loves to get forward and reads the play well, but found himself second fiddle to Lee Jong-min last year and also has Kim Moon-hwan ahead of him in the pecking order. Scored a cracking goal from outside the box last year against Seoul E-Land.
5. Noh Haeng-seok (30)
2018: 3 games, 1 goal; K League Total: 71 games, 6 goals
Was a regular at the heart of Busan's defence when they were relegated in 2015, before going into the footballing wilderness while playing for Hwaseong FC in the K3. Returned to the club to play a part in Busan's promotion attempt last year, and provides solid cover at the back. Also a threat in the opposition box, as Daejeon Citizen found out in the playoffs.
7. Kim Chi-woo (35)
2018: 28 games, 1 goal, 2 assists; K League Total: 355 games, 19 goals, 33 assists
A K League stalwart, Kim spent several years FC Seoul and won 28 caps for the national team, scoring five goals along the way. A classy left back, Kim doesn't have the pace of old but is a consistent performer who delivers a good ball and can be relied upon defensively. Likely to start the season as the first choice on the left of defence.
14. Kwon Jin-young (27)
2018: 7 games; K League Total: 37 games, 1 goal
Has been on Busan's books since 2013 despite never nailing down a regular place in the side. Primarily a right-back but can also fill in at centre back or defensive midfield. Was sent off in the playoff final with FC Seoul last year, with Busan leading 1-0. They went on to lose the game 3-1.
15. Kim Myung-joon (24)
2018: 29 games, 1 goal; K League Total: 74 games, 2 goals, 2 assists
Now entering his fifth season with the club, Kim had been a bit-part player since his debut in 2015 but came of age last year with some commanding and consistent performances in the centre of defence. Still young and not the finished article, but should start the season as first choice at the back. Changed his name from Kim Jong-hyuk in 2018.
17. Lee Jong-min (35)
2018: 23 games, 3 assists; K League Total: 323 games, 18 goals, 32 assists
Vastly experienced right back and last year's club captain. May find playing time harder to come by this year with the emergence of national team star Kim Moon-hwan in his position, but will be a reliable option when called upon.
24. Lee Dong-il (23)
2018: 0 games; K League Total: 1 game
A surprise return to the club after spending last year on loan to Gimhae City in the National League. Has featured in pre-season friendlies at right-back.
26. Lee Sang-joon (19)
2018: 1 game; K League Total: 1 game
Full back or winger who made one solitary appearance last year. A regular in the Korean U-20 team.
27. Ku Hyeon-joon (25)
2018: 15 games, 1 assist; K League Total: 65 games, 1 goal, 4 assists
Long-serving left back entering his eighth year with the club, Ku will hope this is the year he makes the position his own. Likes to get forward and can deliver dangerous crosses, he also showed his defensive capabilities last year when impressing on the left side of a three man defence. A former regular for the Korean U23 team and still has promise.
28. Yoo Soo-cheol (26)
2018: N/A; K League Total: N/A
Late defensive signing.
33. Kim Moon-hwan (23)
2018: 24 games, 3 goals, 1 assist; K League Total: 58 games, 7 goals, 2 assists
The club's poster boy, Kim has garnered national attention over the past year having been selected by national coach Paolo Bento as Lee Yong's go-to understudy at right back. A speedy and hardworking player, Kim is also extremely versatile, having played frequently at left back as well as as a winger. Another big year beckons.
35. Park Ho-young (19)
2018: 2 games; K League Total: 2 games
Towering defender was used as an emergency striker off the bench when Busan were chasing games on two occasions last year. Yet to appear in his favoured centre back role.
38. Aleksandar Šušnjar (23)
2018/19: 14 games (Mladá Boleslav, Žilina); K League Total: N/A
A late signing, the 6ft 3in defender holds both Serbian and Australian passports. Šušnjar is a left-footed central defender who already has experience in the top divisions in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Romania, and Serbia, despite his tender years. Commanding in the air and composed on the ball, Šušnjar made his debut for the Australian national team last year. Has huge potential if he can settle quickly.
44. Park Kyung-min (19)
2018: 0 games; K League Total: 0 games
Left back. Yet to make a senior appearance.
45. Hwang Joon-ho (20)
2018: N/A; K League Total: N/A
Centre back. Youth signing.
Midfielders
4. Lee Chung-woong (25)2018: 12 games, 1 goal: K League Total: 41 games, 1 goal, 1 assist
Imposing defensive midfielder who has also been deployed frequently as part of a three-man defence. A solid squad player who provides defensive cover.
6. Seo Yong-deok (29)
2018: 5 games (Asan Mugunghwa, Busan); K League Total: 74 games, 4 goals, 8 assists
Signed at the tail end of last year after completing his military service with Asan, Seo only made one appearance in Busan's run-in. A winger or attacking midfielder, Seo played for three different Japanese teams before returning to Korea with Ulsan in 2014. Likely to be a squad player this year.
8. Park Jong-woo (29)
2018: 7 games (Suwon Bluewings); K League Total: 109 games, 7 goals, 15 assists
A returning fan favourite, Park played for Busan between 2010 and 2013 before leaving for spells in China and the United Arab Emirates, where he won the league with Al Jazira. Was Ki Sung-yong's midfield partner when Korea won the bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012, and was part of the 2014 World Cup squad, although he didn't see any playing time. A tough-tackling central midfielder with an excellent passing range, Park could be one of the league's top performers this year if he stays fit.
10. Romulo (23)
2018: 36 games, 10 goals, 9 assists; K League Total: 61 games, 13 goals, 17 assists
The club's standout player last season, the Brazilian playmaker is now entering his third year with the club. Romulo's left-footed set-piece deliveries are among the best in the league, and his vision and passing ability in the middle of the park earned him a place in the league's official Best XI last year. Scored 10 goals and contributed 9 assists in a remarkable season. Crucial to Busan's promotion chances.
13. Han Joon-gyu (23)
2018: 0 games; K League Total: 0 games
Able to play in several different positions, including as a goalkeeper. Made his debut with the club in the FA Cup last year as a defensive midfielder, but yet to make a league appearance.
20. Han Sang-woon (32)
2018: 11 games (Suwon FC); K League Total: 253 games, 39 goals, 44 assists
Another former Busan player returning to the club this winter, having initially played for the club between 2009 and 2011. Formerly a striker and attacking midfielder, Han has developed into a more traditional central midfielder in recent years. Has good vision and will add depth to a position that Busan were lacking in last year. Made two appearances for the Korean national team back in 2012.
21. Lee Hoo-kwon (28)
2018: 20 games, 1 assist (Pohang Steelers); K League Total: 111 games, 4 goals, 7 assists
Signed from Pohang, Lee is a central midfielder who often acts as a shield in front of the defence, although he is also comfortable carrying the ball forward and picking passes. Very similar in style to Lee Jae-kwon, who departed Busan for Gangwon FC this winter.
23. Kim Jin-gyu (22)
2018: 32 games, 7 goals, 2 assists; K League Total: 65 games, 9 goals, 4 assists
One of Busan's most exciting young talents, Kim came of age last year with a string of eye-catching performances both as a winger and a central/attacking midfielder. Quick and clever around the box, Kim also proved himself to be an excellent finisher. Formerly the K League's youngest goalscorer and at 22, the best is surely yet to come.
29. Kim Jong-cheol (22)
2018: N/A; K League Total: N/A
Defensive midfielder. Youth signing from Korea University.
Forwards
9. Choi Seung-in (27)2018: 19 games, 5 goals; K League Total: 112 games, 25 goals, 7 assists
Scored 11 goals for Gangwon in 2015 but hasn't been able to replicate that kind of form since his transfer to Busan the following year. Doesn't offer as much as Lee Jeong-hyeop without the ball, but knows where the goal is and could be a useful squad member.
11. Lee Dong-joon (22)
2018: 23 games, 4 goals, 1 assist; K League Total: 35 games, 6 goals, 1 assist
A speedy livewire with bags of energy, Lee was mostly used as a substitute last season and showed quality in fits and bursts. Can play on both wings and likes to hang on the shoulder of the last defender. Lee will hope that he can add consistency to his game this season and nail down a regular starting berth.
18. Lee Jeong-hyeop (27)
2018: 18 games, 2 goals, 1 assist (Shonan Bellmare, Japan)
K League Total: 128 games, 27 goals, 13 assists
A favourite of former national team coach Uli Stielike, Lee has 19 caps and 5 goals for his country, but a disappointing year on loan at Japanese side Shonan Bellmare has seen his stock fall recently. A Busan local boy, he scored 10 goals for the club in 2017 and his work-rate and link-up play will be welcome additions to this quick team. Could be vital to Busan's chances.
19. Jung Sung-min (29)
2018: 23 games, 10 goals (Seongnam FC); K League Total: 163 games, 36 goals, 5 assists
Signed from Seongnam in a trade deal that saw Kim Hyun-sung head the other way. Was Korea's second-highest scorer in the K League 2 last season with 10 goals, although half of those came from the penalty spot. Good in the air and with both feet, Jung will provide competition for Lee Jeong-hyup and Choi Seung-in for the centre forward spot.
22. Han Ji-ho (30)
2018: 30 games, 4 goals, 2 assists; K League Total: 253 games, 33 goals, 21 assists
The pick of Busan's out-of-contract players who re-signed with the club this winter, 'one-club man' Han is a consistent performer who can play on both wings. Fast, direct, and a tidy dribbler, he has an eye for goal and should see lots of game time despite the new arrivals in his position. Named as the club captain for the first time this season.
30. Diego Mauricio (27)
2018: 35 games, 7 goals, 6 assists; K League Total: 71 games, 20 goals, 9 assists
Another shrewd-looking signing, Diego has had a journeyman career that includes spells in China, Portugal and Russia, among others. He spent the past two years in the K League 1 at Gangwon FC, where he featured more often from the bench than from the start, but still recorded more than respectable goal and assist tallies. Can play as a striker but favours a left wing role.
32. Kwon Yong-hyun (27)
2018: 19 games, 1 assist (Gyeongnam, Suwon FC); K League Total: 146 games, 22 goals, 23 assists
One of the K League 2's most talented wingers in recent years, Kwon has explosive pace and strength despite his diminutive stature. Likes to beat his man and get to the byline to deliver balls into the box, Kwon is also a capable finisher and could be a great signing.
40. Shin Chang-ryeol (22)
2018: N/A; K League Total: N/A
Winger or striker, youth signing.
86. Soma Novothny (24)
2018/19: 23 games, 9 goals (Újpest, Hungary); K League Total: N/A
A powerful centre forward, Novothny has spent the majority of his career in his native Hungary, but also spent two years in Italy's lower leagues. He finished last season as the second top scorer in Hungary's top division with 17 goals, and added a further 9 this season. Novothny is dominant in the air and has a poacher's instinct in the penalty area; should bring some much-needed physicality to Busan's attack.
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