'Two Korean Players in Top 10' Draws Attention from Portuguese Local Media... Hwang In-beom and Lee Hyun-ju Already Battle for First Place

*This content was translated by AI.

A 'Korean Derby' is unfolding in Portugal. The protagonists are Hwang In-beom (FC Porto), a key player for the South Korean national football team, and Lee Hyun-ju (Aroca), a top-tier promising talent.

Porto and Aroca will face off at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal, at 4:30 a.m. on the 24th (Korean time) for the 2026–2027 season of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Although it is early in the season, this match could determine the direction of the league title race. Both teams have started with two consecutive wins and are engaged in a fierce battle for first place.

Currently, Aroca sits atop the league with two wins, no losses, five goals scored, zero conceded, and six points. Porto has also won both of its opening matches, recording four goals scored, zero conceded, and six points, tying with Aroca but ranking second due to a worse goal difference.

As a result, the first- and second-ranked teams will directly clash starting from the third matchday of the season. The winning team will firmly establish itself in the early-season title race.

Korean fans' attention naturally turns to these two Korean midfielders.

Ahead of this season, Hwang In-beom left Feyenoord (Netherlands) and joined Porto, embarking on a new challenge.

Lee Hyun-ju, who came through the Pohang Steelers youth system in K League 1, moved to the prestigious German club Bayern Munich in 2022, challenging himself on the European stage. After loan spells at several clubs, he donned the Aroca jersey and has now grown into a key asset for his team's attack.

Both players were named in the 'Top 10 Players to Watch' list selected by Portuguese local media ahead of the new season kickoff.

Hwang In-beom ranked fourth. The Portuguese football outlet Bola na Rede stated, "Porto's new signing Hwang In-beom is already an experienced player," adding, "While he may not have a flashy style, he plays a crucial role in Porto's ball circulation."

It further praised him, saying, "He possesses excellent tactical intelligence and game vision, essential qualities for cleanly launching attacks from the backfield."

In particular, the outlet highlighted 'calmness' as Hwang In-beom's greatest strength. The media explained, "Hwang In-beom is calmness itself. He plays without rushing, with dignity," noting that "he maintains high concentration, avoids unnecessarily complicating situations, and plays simply and efficiently."

It also expressed expectations that he will become a valuable weapon for coach Francesco Paoli.

Lee Hyun-ju ranked one step higher at third place. Bola na Rede remarked, "Lee Hyun-ju, signed from Bayern Munich, is Aroca's most expensive signing in club history," highlighting that "he scored seven goals in 32 matches last season, demonstrating his presence. Considering he plays as an attacking midfielder, this is a strong record."

It further described him as "a player who essentially fulfills the role of a 'number 10'," stating, "He has excellent dribbling skills and displays unpredictable movements when in possession of the ball. He brings creativity to Aroca."

The outlet added, "Aroca has recently been actively targeting the Asian market, and Lee Hyun-ju is currently being evaluated as a definitively successful signing," noting that "coach Vasco Seabra also highly rates Lee Hyun-ju's profile."

Portuguese local media selected 10 players across the entire league who should be watched closely, with two Korean players securing spots in the upper ranks. Coincidentally, these two players will face each other as opponents starting from the third round of the season.

Both players have started their seasons well. Hwang In-beom provided an assist in the previous league's second-round match against Rio Ave, contributing to Porto's 2-0 victory.

Lee Hyun-ju also assisted on Aroca's second goal in the second-round match against Moreirense, recording his first assist of the season. Aroca secured a decisive 4-0 win and moved into first place.

Portuguese local media are also paying close attention to this matchup. Another Portuguese outlet, HeCorde, highlighted that if Aroca wins the away match against Porto, it will achieve its first-ever three consecutive opening victories in club history. For Aroca to write new history, it must overcome the 'giant' Porto. Lee Hyun-ju's role is crucial.

Porto, too, cannot afford to retreat. Currently tied with Aroca in points, and playing at home, the team faces challenges due to seven injured players affecting squad management. Hwang In-beom also carries a heavy burden.

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*This content was translated by AI.