K League United Monthly Awards - March

For his first full season as K League Analyst at Football Radar, Alex Lee will be writing a monthly article on the Player of the Month, Young Player of the Month, and Manager of the Month after watching all the league games that have been played. He will also add a shortlist for players that were strong candidates for each award but narrowly missed out. So without further await, here are the Monthly Awards. 

Player of the Month - Cesinha (Daegu FC)

Daegu’s Brazilian maestro continues to make headlines in K League football. With two goals and two assists in four appearances, Cesinha has broken every defence he has faced and led his team to become a feared opposition in the league. Now in his fourth year at the club, he has taken on the captain’s armband and shows that he can step up whenever the team needs him. In the two fixtures where Daegu’s main striker Edgar was ruled out by injury, Cesinha managed to deliver a goal in each game including an outrageous 40 yard freekick against Gyeongnam. He is undoubtedly one of, if not the best player in K League.

Shortlist

Yoo Sang-hoon (FC Seoul)

Kim Bo-kyung (Ulsan Hyundai FC)

Young Player of the Month - Kim Dae-won (Daegu FC)

Last year’s unsung hero is finally getting the credit he deserves. Along with Edgar and Cesinha, Kim Dae-won completes the deadliest forward trio in the country. His ability to dribble, matched by his high work rate, dismantles the enemy defence, leaving them exposed to through-balls and shots on goal. He was the standout choice for Young Player of the Month and was not far from being a candidate for Player of the Month as his performances were among the best for a Korean forward in the league. A great season ahead for Daegu’s own attacking talent.

Shortlist

Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul)

Takahiro Kunimoto (Gyeongnam FC)

Manager of the Month - Choi Yong-soo (FC Seoul)

Three wins, one draw, and four clean sheets. A dream start to the season for ‘The Eagle’ Choi Yong-soo and his FC Seoul. Starting from the opening game of the season, Seoul had a winning formula thanks to their preparation during preseason. Choi’s tactics have been spot-on so far, and even his decision to play centre-back Park Dong-jin upfront is paying dividends. Their recent 2-0 win against Sangju Sangmu, who were on a three game winning streak of their own, proved that their results were not achieved by pure luck. Seoul’s performances have not been dominant but instead clinical and organised. Mostly importantly, Choi has brought a winning mentality to the club with his players full of confidence.

Shortlist

Kim Do-hoon (Ulsan Hyundai FC)

Kim Tae-wan (Sangju Sangmu FC)