'Can unearth K League gems' Moreno makes first call-ups for 19-year-old Son Jeong-beom and Asian Games gold medalist Shin Min-ha... Rangers rookie Kim Min-su left out

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Interim national team manager Roberto Moreno (49) has made a surprise call-up of K League standouts Son Jeong-beom (19, FC Seoul) and Shin Min-ha (21, Gangwon FC) to the senior national team. Meanwhile, Kim Min-su (Rangers), who was included in the previous squad list, has been excluded.

Manager Moreno held a press conference on the 29th at Cheonan Korea Football Park in Chungnam Province, announcing the 26th-man call-up list for the November A-match two-game series against Middle Eastern opponents (Saudi Arabia on the 13th, Qatar on the 17th).

He boldly injected fresh blood into the squad, viewing this as the final mock exam before next January's Asian Cup and a crucial test that will determine whether he transitions to permanent manager and extends his contract.

The most notable additions are midfielder Son Jeong-beom (born 2007), who earned his first national team cap, and center-back Shin Min-ha (born 2005). Son Jeong-beom made his professional debut this season, appearing in 30 league matches to record two goals and two assists, contributing significantly to his club Seoul's K League 1 championship. Shin Min-ha has emerged as a starting center-back for Gangwon, playing in 21 matches this season, and also featured as a starter at the 2026 Asian Games, leading the team to a gold medal.

Conversely, forward Kim Min-su, who showed dazzling movement in the previous call-up, was left off this list despite being injury-free. He is a versatile player capable of filling roles ranging from wide wingers on both flanks to central attacking midfielder. He has maintained his form through consistent appearances for his club Rangers, making his selection appear likely, but ultimately he did not receive Manager Moreno's final nod in the last test before the Asian Cup.

Regarding the reasons for his selections, Manager Moreno stated, "Shin Min-ha and Son Jeong-beom are young and rich in potential, and will play a positive role in building the best possible team," adding, "The sole criterion for all player selection decisions is match performance. If they prove their worth on the pitch, the door is open to everyone," emphasizing his principles for call-ups.

The Moreno squad, which includes key overseas-based players such as Son Heung-min (LA FC), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid), will assemble at Incheon International Airport on November 8 before departing for Doha, Qatar, the site of the decisive matches.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original