2024 Gangwon FC Squad Guide: The Summer Update
Goalkeepers
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| Lee Gwang-yeon |
Lee Gwang-yeon: Since returning to the starting lineup consistently, Lee Gwang-yeon has went from strength to strength, further securing himself the #1 spot. Although only managing four clean sheets, the 24-year-old (per 90) averages 2.3 saves from 3.35 shots against, 1.31 exits, 5.39 long passes, and 1.31 passes to the final third. Long-term, it does appear Lee will remain Yoon Jong-hwan’s first choice between the sticks.
Park Cheong-hyo: Replacing Yu Sang-hun prior to the 2024 season, Park Cheong-hyo initially found himself favoured as the starting goalkeeper for Gangwon. Competent playing out from the back, he was a solid option for the buildup phase, though has since been replaced by Lee Gwang-yeon. Across eight K League 1 matches, the 34-year-old conceded 17 times, keeping one clean sheet, though did put in a fantastic performance recently in the Korea Cup against Seoul, making key saves which helped take the tie to penalties.
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| Yun Suk-young |
Yun Suk-young: At times stepping up to captain Gangwon this year, the experienced Yun Suk-young has been one of the team’s most consistent performers. Playing as a left-back, he averages (per 90) around six duels won, 4.57 interceptions, 8.67 recoveries, 2.26 clearances, and 0.36 shot assists. Now 34 years of age, Yun Suk-young is showing no signs of slowing down, and makes for a reliable first team option for Yoon Jong-hwan.
Marko Tuci: On his day, Marko Tuci is like a proverbial brick wall in Gangwon’s defence. Able to play alongside any defensive partner seamlessly, the Montenegrin centre-half was one of the Bears’ standout signings in 2023, and played a big hand in helping stabilise the team before they propelled themselves forward this season. Per 90, Tuci averages 6.37 duels won, 8.43 recoveries, 4.88 passes to the final third, 3.92 long passes, and 1.11 progressive runs, showing his willingness to be involved in the buildup phase in addition to his defensive duties.
Kim Woo-seok: A squad depth option, Kim Woo-seok is always able to offer height and calmness into defence when necessary, and recently helped secure the three points for Gangwon against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors with an assist for the fourth goal. Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has played just 17 minutes of top-flight action in 2024.
Lee Gi-hyuk: A jack of all trades, Lee Gi-hyuk has played in many different positions this year, but is most commonly found in defence, whether it be as a ball-playing centre half, or more recently as a left-back. Standing out for his range of passing, the 24-year-old has per 90 averages of 4.95 passes to the final third, 7.26 long passes, 0.9 passes to the penalty area, and 0.33 through passes. However, Lee is improving in the defensive side of his game too, with a mean total of 11.59 recoveries, 5.28 interceptions, and 3.8 defensive duels won per match.
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| Hwang Mun-ki |
Hwang Mun-ki: In the creative form of his life, Hwang Mun-ki has racked up five assists from 25 games while playing as a right-back. Always a danger on the overlap, and working well with the likes of Yang Min-hyuk, he averages (per 90) 2.4 crosses, 2.73 dribbles, 3.64 interceptions, 8.19 recoveries, 0.51 shot assists, 2.29 progressive runs, and 2.55 passes to the penalty area. Now seemingly indispensable to Gangwon, Yoon Jong-hwan has undeniably gotten the best out of Hwang Mun-ki.
Song Jun-seok: Finding a place for himself in Yoon Jong-hwan’s system over the last couple of months, Song Jun-seok adds some important versatility on the team’s left hand side. With plenty of energy, the 23-year-old will now look to keep building momentum, and add to some impressive per 90 averages such as 7.22 passes to the final third, 1.78 crosses, 0.24 shot assists, 8.29 recoveries, and 4.14 interceptions.
Jo Hyun-tae: A promising young centre-back, Jo Hyun-tae has unfortunately found opportunities limited this year, and the 19-year-old hasn’t featured in the league since round three. Whether a loan move is in his future remains to be seen, but he is still worth keeping an eye on as one for the future.
Ryu Gwang-hyeon: Similarly, Ryu Gwang-hyeon hasn’t been afforded the same chance to make a claim for the starting left-back position like he was last season. However, while not making a single top-flight appearance, the 20-year-old has looked decent in cup competition, and against Seoul put his best foot forward for future opportunities.
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| Lee Ji-sol |
Lee Ji-sol: In a year somewhat dampened by injury, Lee Ji-sol has only made six K League 1 appearances for the Bears, though stands out as someone able to deputise well whenever called upon, due to his tactical understanding. Most impressive this season was his performance in a 1-0 victory over Ulsan HD, where he won two duels, made three recoveries, three interceptions, four clearances, and made 29 of his 33 passes accurately in a composed outing.
Kim Young-bin: Despite missing the beginning of the year through injury, Kim Young-bin returned to being a regular starter very quickly. And, while his more traditional style of defending might slightly contrast on occasion with Gangwon’s current willingness to build from the back, his ability to mix it up and go long when necessary is far more of a help than hindrance. Per 90, the 32-year-old centre-back averages two aerial duels won, nearly three defensive duels won, 2.24 clearances, and 4.08 long passes.
Shin Min-ha: There’s plenty to get excited for about Shin Min-ha. At just 18, the centre-back has showcased a solid level of maturity when appearing off the bench, standing out for his positioning, self-assurance, and aerial ability. Going forward, there’s every chance he’ll build on his 85 minutes of first-team football in due time.
Midfielders
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| Kim Dong-hyun |
Kim Dong-hyun: Since returning from Gimcheon Sangmu, Kim Dong-hyun has begun to look a commanding presence back at the heart of Gangwon’s midfield. Helping control a game’s tempo, while offering both security in front of the defence, and stability in the buildup phase (against Jeonbuk, for example, he made seven accurate passes to the final third, as well as eight interceptions and seven recoveries), the 27-year-old could be vital to the team’s top four push going forward, should he keep his form consistent.
Kim Kang-gook: A dependable option to have in midfield, Kim Kang-gook can at times be understated in his importance to Gangwon. Across 21 appearances for the Bears this year, there’s been a congruent solidity to the 27-year-old’s performances, and while he doesn’t have any tangible goal contributions, there are plenty of positives about the way the central midfielder moves the ball forward, and can threaten from set-piece situations.
Kim Yi-seok: A standout performer this year, Kim Yi-seok has handled the step-up to K League 1 football with ease. With two goals and two assists, the central midfielder is not opposed to getting involved higher up the pitch, but generally speaking thrives as an all-rounder, doing whatever job is required to help the team. Per 90, Kim makes 7.75 recoveries, 3.25 interceptions, wins 60% of his 6.79 defensive duels, and attempts 4.57 passes to the final third. Once back from an injury which has seen him sidelined since Gangwon’s 2-1 win over Jeonbuk in May, Kim Yi-seok should slot right back into the starting eleven.
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| Yu In-soo |
Yu In-soo: Moving from left-back to left-midfield, a push further up the pitch has paid dividends for Yu In-soo over the last 12 months. Not only does Yu offer versatility, but he can help balance a generally attacking outfit when on the pitch, whilst being willing to get into advanced positions himself when the time is right. His two goals this year have proved that, but his per 90 averages of 4.14 interceptions, 5.2 recoveries, six successful duels, 1.16 shot assists, and 1.93 passes to the final third help paint a somewhat clearer picture of a player multifaceted in what he can provide the team.
Lee You-hyeon: Similar to the above, Lee You-hyeon has also moved from full-back to midfield this year, though he operates in Gangwon’s spine. Full of energy, discipline, and drive, Lee has been a revelation in his new role, always involved in near enough every part of play, and adeptly covering in defensive duties when players such as Hwang Mun-ki press higher up the pitch.
Kim Dae-woo: Prior to his ankle injury, Kim Dae-woo had cemented himself as a regular fixture in Yoon Jong-hwan’s plans, after previously finding playing time limited across the previous couple of seasons. A sharp passer, the 23-year-old managed two assists from his 13 appearances, while averaging 5.1 passes to the final third, 2.83 long passes, 0.94 passes to the penalty area, and 0.57 through passes per match.
Attackers
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| Yang Min-hyuk |
Yang Min-hyuk: Unquestionably Gangwon’s breakout star of 2024, the new Tottenham Hotspur acquisition Yang Min-hyuk has been a major factor in the Bears’ current successes. With eight goals and four assists for the year, the 18-year-old is consistently delivering at a high level, and has now won four consecutive Young Player of the Month accolades. Per 90, Yang averages an xG of 0.22, 3.86 dribbles, 2.99 touches in the opposition box, 2.34 progressive runs, 1.6 passes to the final third, and 1.27 passes to the penalty area.
Cho Jin-hyuk: Somewhat of a surprise package, young winger Cho Jin-hyuk has also began to develop at commendable pace this season. With two goals and one assist for the year, the 23-year-old is slowly but surely adding tangible contributions to his game, while increasing his stamina and strength to play at the top level more regularly. Per 90, Cho averages 1.5 shots, 2.2 successful dribbles, two recoveries in the opposition half, and 1.8 progressive runs.
Jung Han-min: Currently on loan from FC Seoul, Jung Han-min is the ideal depth option in attack for Gangwon. Hardworking, direct, and positive, the 23-year-old averages a goal contribution every 112.5 minutes (he has three goals and one assist in 2024), with his most notable highlight a fantastic finish in a 2-0 victory against Gwangju FC. After a busy summer for the Bears in terms of forward additions, though, the task for Jung Han-min now is to keep taking his chances when they come.
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| Lee Sang-heon |
Lee Sang-heon: Whether playing as a striker, or as a #10, Lee Sang-heon has become Gangwon’s most efficient attacking performer in 2024. With eight goals and seven assists for the year, the 26-year-old is integral to Yoon Jong-hwan’s system wherever he is deployed, and has the stats to back up his tireless performances. Per 90, he averages 2.11 shots, 3.61 dribbles, 0.88 shot assists, 1.41 progressive runs, 1.98 passes to the penalty area, and 2.29 passes to the final third.
Franko Kovacevic: Signing on loan until next summer, Franko Kovacevic made a near instant impact at Gangwon. In just his second appearance, the Croatian striker grabbed a goal against Jeju United, and looked threatening throughout the match with five shots taken, an xG of 0.73 created, four touches in the opposition box, and two passes to the final third. And, while he missed out on Gangwon’s 4-2 win over Jeonbuk through injury, it seems very likely Kovacevic will quickly return to the starting eleven.
Irfan Hadzic: Yet to make an appearance for Gangwon, new signing Irfan Hadzic arrives as someone who will bolster an already growing attack for the Bears. The Bosnian scored 14 times across 46 appearances for his previous club, Tuzla City, so the hope will be that he can recreate similar form in South Korea.
Vitor Gabriel: Before suffering an injury which has thus far kept him out for the season, it looked as if Vitor Gabriel was in line to play an important role for the team. In his six appearances this year, it’s been hard to properly judge performance levels from the Brazilian striker, but he will no doubt be aiming to recapture the sort of form that saw him stand out as a key factor in keeping Gangwon in K League 1 last year, once he returns to action.
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| Kim Kyeong-min |
Kim Kyeong-min: In Gangwon’s 4-2 win over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, summer signing Kim Kyeong-min set himself a potential benchmark for future performances, as he looks to carve out a starting role in a team with an undeniably in-form attack. With two goals, one of which came after some fantastically composed dribbling, the 27-year-old was key in the team securing victory, taking four shots, seven touches in the opposition box, creating an xG of 0.64, completing two successful dribbles, and winning four duels in just under 40 minutes of action off the bench.
Henry Hore: A summer loan signing, Henry Hore has thus far been utilised across substitute appearances, but has looked relatively sharp. Quick, direct, and eager to play the ball into the right areas, Gangwon do seem to have a solid asset here, one who may find his playing time increased as the season rolls on.
Jin Jun-seo: Another summer acquisition, forward Jin Jun-seo capitalised on the opportunities presented to him with a goal against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in round 25. Additionally, the 19-year-old currently has two goals for South Korea’s U19 squad under his belt, so Yoon Jong-hwan may be looking towards the young forward as someone with long-term potential.
Kim Hyeong-jin: Finally, semi-pro forward Kim Hyeong-jin. At just 17 years of age, he is Gangwon’s youngest ever player to feature in K League 1 action, and again points to signs that the Bears are eager to bring through the next generation of talent into the first team as soon as possible.
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