KLU Monthly Awards - June

K League 1 remains tight at the top and bottom of the table, and several key players have helped make it that way. Football Radar's Alex Lee is back with his Player, Young Player, and Manager of the Month for June.

Player of the Month - Osmar (FC Seoul)

Osmar has been the catalyst for FC Seoul’s winning form this season. In June, the Spanish midfielder was involved in four goals, which included a stoppage time winner against Gyeongnam and two cracking goals against Suwon in the Super Match. He also made the most passes in Seoul’s four games this month, as he continues to be the focal point of their build-up play. These stats were achieved while playing as a left-sided defender in a back three to cover for other injured centre backs. Seoul fans will be eager to see Osmar play in his natural deep lying playmaker role where he can provide even more for the team going forwards.

Shortlist
Cho Jae-wan (Gangwon FC)
Wanderson (Pohang Steelers)

Young Player of the Month - Lee Dong-kyung (Ulsan Hyundai FC)

Lee Dong-kyung was a lifeline for Ulsan who had previously struggled to find a decent U22 starter. The 21-year old winger links well with teammates Kim Bo-kyung and Kim In-sung to produce quick attacking football, while his technical ability continues to show promise. He has managed one goal and one assist in June and the media consider him as the favourite for Young Player of the Year. However, Lee is yet to complete a full match this season as he is usually subbed off around half-time. With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics coming up, Lee will be desperate to get more minutes on the field.

Shortlist
Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul)
Jung Seung-won (Daegu FC)

Manager of the Month - Nam Ki-il (Seongnam FC)

Nam Ki-il has shown K League fans that hard work and team cohesion can overcome individual talent. Despite having the weakest squad in the league, Seongnam had another unbeaten month, two wins and two draws, thanks to Nam’s match preparations. His team persistently plays their trademark high press football while getting the best out of Brazilian forward Eder. Nam has also built Lim Chae-min and Yeon Je-woon into a solid defensive partnership, with bigger clubs displaying interest in these players. As arguably the most underrated manager in the league, Seongnam players and fans will be backing Nam Ki-il to keep them in Korea’s top division for next season.

Shortlist
Kim Byung-soo (Gangwon FC)
Choi Yong-soo (FC Seoul)