"Is Son Heung-min the only world-class player?" Harsh Korean evaluation of Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in... 'Best 11' also revealed; three nails up, center-back is Cho Yu-min

*This content was translated by AI.

Only Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) was world-class. Kim Min-jae (30, Bayern Munich) and Lee Kang-in (25, Paris Saint-Germain), who are active in Europe's top leagues, did not receive world-class evaluations.

Overseas football content channel Score90 predicted South Korea's best 11 for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America on the 19th (Korean time). Along with this, the channel also released individual player evaluations.

The formation was 3-4-3. Hong Myung-bo, the South Korea national team head coach, has been experimenting with a three-back system in recent A-matches, unlike in the final qualifiers. The goal is expected to be guarded by 'Spider Hand' Cho Hyun-woo (Ulsan HD), and the three-back line is expected to include 'Monster Defender' Kim Min-jae, along with Cho Yu-min (Sharjah FC) and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland).

With Kim Min-jae's definite partner yet to be decided, the media appears to have given high scores to Cho Yu-min and Lee Han-beom, who have received relatively consistent opportunities at their respective clubs.

The midfield was the domain of Lee Jae-sung (Mainz) and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord). Both players suffered injuries late in the season, raising concerns, but fortunately, they are expected to participate in the North American World Cup without issues. The wide areas will be covered by full-backs Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna) and Seol Young-woo (Crvena Zvezda).

The ace and 'captain' Son Heung-min is expected to be deployed as the central striker in the three-forward line. The wide attackers are expected to be Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Lee Kang-in. All three players can play various positions, giving them the advantage of being able to switch positions depending on the situation to exploit opponents. It is also possible for Lee Kang-in to support Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan from the second line.

However, the player-by-player evaluation revealed a cold gaze. Son Heung-min was the only player to receive four stars, corresponding to 'world-class.' Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in received a lower rating of three stars. Most players were limited to two stars, and seven players received the lowest rating of one star.

Earlier, the American media outlet Sports Illustrated also pointed out the limitations of the South Korean national team's strength. The media stated, "Head coach Hong Myung-bo basically uses a three-back system. However, the wing-backs often drop deep rather than advancing actively, taking a shape close to a five-back." It further analyzed, "While this structure makes it difficult for opponents to break through easily, it can also be a double-edged sword that limits South Korea's attacking power."

Furthermore, the media noted that South Korea's attack relies heavily on Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Sports Illustrated stated, "These two players penetrate the center or spread wide on the flanks to execute effective combination play, which poses a constant threat to opponents." However, it also expressed concern, "But if opponents can stop these two players, South Korea may suffer from a lack of creativity and goal-scoring power."

Meanwhile, South Korea, which has appeared in the World Cup finals 12 times, was drawn into Group A in the North American World Cup along with 'host' Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. It is a favorable group draw. Sports Illustrated also reported, "South Korea is grouped with solid but beatable opponents," adding, "Expectations are growing that South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will achieve meaningful results at the World Cup."

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*This content was translated by AI.