New Star Player

The football player Park Ji-Sung is reportedly favored by Coach Gus Hiddink. There is a rumor that in case the coach moves to a European soccer club, he may take the rising star with him first among Korean players.

Mr. Park is estimated to be a player who made the most startling progress in the Korean national soccer squad during 2002 World Cup. After Hiddink became the coach of the Korean team, the player took the position of defensive or offensive midfielder. But his position was changed to right wing forward right before the World Cup. He attuned himself to midfielder Song Jong-Gook and displayed his talent more than 100%.

Earlier in A matches with England and France, he scored and emerged as a “killer.” And once again, he surprised the world by netting a goal in a Group D match with Portugal. After receiving the cross pass from Lee Young-Pyo, Park calmly evaded forward Sergio Conceicao and sliced his shot between the Portugal goalkeeper’s legs. His goal was chosen as the best one in the World Cup in a domestic survey.

He was qualified for standards set by Coach Hiddink without any difficulty. The player is strong enough to tirelessly run throughout a match and press opponents and capable of playing well in any position. “If conditions are met, I’d like to advance into any European team,” said the midfielder after the quarterfinal match with Germany.

Sung-Won Joo swon@donga.com