Interview: 'FC Seoul is a good move for Kim Jinya', Jørn Andersen

FC Seoul made their first signing of the winter by securing the services of pacey wing-back Kim Jinya from Gyeongin Derby Rivals Incheon United. Whilst the Korean U23 international made his debut under former United manager Lee Kihyung, 'Speed Racer' did feature heavily for ex-Durumi boss Jørn Andersen during the Norwegian's time in K League. Speaking exclusively to K League United, the man who saved Incheon from relegation in 2018 Coach Andersen, offers his thoughts on Kim Jinya's move to the capital. 

Incheon United wing-back Kim Jinya made the move to FC Seoul last week, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal. The promising youngster broke into the first team at Incheon in 2017 and went on to make 16 appearances as a first-year professional that season, but just six of those appearances came form the start.

Lee Kihyung handed Kim his debut but departed the club in May 2018 and so in stepped Park Sungchul on a caretaker basis before the club appointed former Karlsruher SC, Ausria Salzburg and North Korea Head Coach Jørn Andersen shortly after.

The Norwegian took over and guided a relegation threatened Incheon to safety, eventually finishing ninth despite being in the drop-zone heading into the split. That year, Kim Jinya played 25 times for the Blue Black and was a key player for United under Andersen.

Having worked closely with Kim for just shy of a year, Andersen believes that the move to FC Seoul is the right one for versatile full back: "This is a good transfer, the next step for him," says Andersen, speaking exclusively to K League United.

For Incheon, the pacey wing-back who earned military exemption after winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games, has been deployed in a number of positions including as an out and out winger or a full back on either side in a back or midfield four both this season and last.

But, at FC Seoul, with Choi Yongsoo's favoured 3-5-2 system seemingly set in stone, Kim Jinya will most likely be required to play as a wing-back which raises the question of what the Asian Game Best XI inductee's best position is.

Coach Andersen, who oversaw 30 K League matches, 22 with Kim Jinya in the team, reveals his thoughts on where the 21 year-old will be best deployed as well as what areas of his game need to be improved on:

"He can still improve defensively, and offensively too - but left or right back is the best position for him. His speed and his character are his best strengths."

Kim Jinya could make his debut for FC Seoul when Choi Yongsoo and his team's 2020 season begins on Tuesday 28th February when either Kedah of Malaysia or Tai Po of Hong Kong visit the Korean capital for the AFC Champions League qualification playoff.

[READ: 2019 Season Review | FC Seoul]