'4-4-2 Formation' Unveiled: Son as Striker, Lee Kang-in on Right Wing; Moreno's Squad Faces Intense Competition for Starting Spots

*This content was translated by AI.

"We intend to use the 4-4-2 formation."

This was said on the 14th. Robert Moreno (Spain), the interim head coach of the South Korea national football team, clearly outlined the tactics he plans to employ during his introductory press conference. Unlike his predecessors, who were often reticent about tactics—especially specific formations—Moreno explained not only a back four but also a concrete setup with four midfielders and two strikers up front. Moreno added, "After analyzing the K League over the past two years, we determined it is the most frequently used system." He further stated, "During the training camp, our role is to clearly explain to each player why they were selected and to make detailed adjustments and improvements on specific areas."

With both the head coach and the basic formation changing, significant shifts in the competition for starting spots within the national team are inevitable. Players who experienced the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America will likely hold an early advantage in the race for starting positions. However, the pace of change could accelerate depending on how quickly players adapt to the type of football and tactics that Coach Moreno desires. Given that it is highly probable Moreno will remain in charge until at least next January's AFC Asian Cup barring any severe slump, competition within the national team is expected to become even more fierce.

The goalkeeper competition is undoubtedly the most intense battleground. Although Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), who started in the World Cup, still appears to hold an edge, it remains uncertain whether he can secure a definitive starting role under the new coaching regime. Concerns persist due to his errors during the World Cup and subsequent mistakes after returning to his club, as well as the fact that at 34 years old (born in 1990), he is the oldest among the goalkeepers. Cho Hyun-woo (Ulsan HD) and Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) have been called up by Coach Moreno following their World Cup performances, aiming to establish themselves as starters for the new Joo Jeon (CEO) team. Meanwhile, Gu Seong-yun (FC Seoul), who seized a fresh opportunity based on his K League performances, will be a major variable in determining how he demonstrates his competitiveness while wearing the national crest. With four goalkeepers selected for the four-match series, it is highly likely they will each get a chance to play one match. Goalkeeping positions are particularly sensitive to a coach's preferences, and once a starter is chosen, changes are rare; thus, the early competition is expected to be especially fierce.

With the tactical shift from a back three to a back four, the center-back line has one fewer spot. Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Han-beom (Club Brugge KV) are expected to firmly secure their places as the starting center-back pairing. It is difficult to foresee any variables in their starting combination based on their club performances or chemistry within the national team. Kim Tae-hyun (Kashima Antlers) and Jo Woo-je (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), who have World Cup experience, are likely candidates to serve as backups supporting them. Interest also focuses on how Coach Moreno will utilize Kim Geon-hee (Incheon United), who has earned his first national team call-up under Moreno's regime.

For full-back positions, the World Cup starters Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien) and Seol Young-woo (Augsburg) are strong favorites to start on the left and right, respectively. Jo Hyun-taek (Ulsan HD), Kim Tae-hyun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), and Choi Jun (FC Seoul) have been newly called up by Coach Moreno as backup full-backs. While Jo Hyun-taek and Kim Tae-hyun are categorized for the left side and Choi Jun for the right, both Kim Tae-hyun and Choi Jun can play on either flank, making them highly versatile. Although there is little immediate risk of a rift in the European-based World Cup starters Lee Tae-seok-Seol Young-woo pairing, fierce competition for backup roles is anticipated.

In midfield, while the starting lineup is clearly taking shape, attention also turns to how the backups will perform. Hwang In-beom (FC Porto) and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) are highly likely to form the core of Moreno's midfield during the September-October A-match window barring any major surprises. Park Jin-seop (Zhejiang FC), capable of playing center-back, is expected to serve as a defensive backup option for midfield. Meanwhile, Kim Bong-soo (Daejeon Hana Citizen) and Park Tae-jun (Kim Cheon (SVP)), who are active in the K League, will be tested on how well they meet Coach Moreno's expectations after receiving what can be described as a "surprise call-up." Given their all-around capabilities in work rate, duels, and passing, the Kim Bong-soo-Park Tae-jun pairing could potentially become a new midfield combination for the national team.

The wide positions remain saturated. Despite the absence of many second-line attackers due to the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya (Japan) Asian Games, numerous strong players have earned their place in the national squad. Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05) or Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) are likely to start on the left, while Lee Kang-in (Atlético Madrid) is expected to take the right wing. The addition of new players has intensified this competition. On the left, in addition to Lee Jae-sung and Hwang Hee-chan, 2006-born youngest player Kim Min-su (Rangers) has also entered the fray for a spot. Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD), who plays in the K League, is expected to serve as a backup right winger with the same left-footed attribute as Lee Kang-in. Another point of interest is how Coach Moreno will utilize Jeong Seung-won (FC Seoul) and Song Min-kyu (Nacional). Since Moreno classified Lee Dong-gyeong as an attacker rather than a midfielder during the squad selection process, it is possible that Jeong Seung-won and Song Min-kyu will compete for the right wing position.

For the front two striker positions, Son Heung-min (LAFC) is highly likely to occupy one spot, considering his role as captain and symbolic importance. Given his consistent performances as a forward for both the national team and his club, he is a strong candidate for the starting lineup. Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) appears to be the most likely partner. However, there is also a possibility that Moreno could deploy tall strikers such as Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland) or Oh Se-hoon (Shimizu S-Pulse) as partners for Son Heung-min and Oh Hyeon-gyu in a starting-backup configuration. How Coach Moreno will utilize Lee Dong-gyeong, who has been highly active in the K League with 11 goals and 10 assists, could also be a key viewing point for Moreno's early matches.

Moreno's team will face Ecuador in their first friendly match on the 24th at Suwon World Cup Stadium, followed by Uruguay on the 28th at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Venezuela on February 2nd at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, and Uzbekistan on the 6th at Yongin Mir Stadium.

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*This content was translated by AI.