Since former captain Park Jisung retiring from international football in 2011, it seems that a dynamic presence has been lacking in midfield for Korea Republic with the Taeguk Warriors failing to progress beyond the group phase at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. However, with the recent re-emergence of Yoon Bitgaram there are growing hopes the void left by Park will soon be filled.

The 26-year-old has been in excellent form since joining Chinese Super League side Yanbian Fude at the start of this season. His performances didn’t go unnoticed by Korea Republic coach Uli Stielike, who gave Yoon his first national team call-up since a qualifier against Uzbekistan on the road to Brazil 2014. And Yoon duly lived up to expectations upon his return, scoring the opener and setting up another to steer his side to a recent 2-1 friendly victory over Czech Republic.

“I was quite pleased to help my team win the game,” Yoon told FIFA.com. “It (the match against Czech Republic) was my first international game after a lengthy absence so it holds special significance to me. I am hoping to make it to the next national squad. Of course, I will work hard to earn a place through my form.”

“There are many Korean veterans from whom I can learn. But it is a legend, whom I played alongside, that provides me with lasting inspiration. He is none other than Park Jisung. He deeply impressed me as the team’s influential figure.”

Rediscovering form

Born in Changwon, Gyeongnam in 1990, Yoon began his professional career with home club Gyeongnam FC in 2010. But long before that he had made a name for himself as one of the country’s hottest prospects. Notably, he figured prominently for hosts Korea Republic in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He played all three games, and notably scored the match-winning goal in a 2-1 victory against Togo. The early promise he showed was such that the local media was quick to dub him as the “Korean Zidane”.

Yoon continued his smooth development after joining Gyeongnam FC six years ago. He exploded onto the domestic scene in his debut K League season, managing six goals from 24 appearances which earned him that year’s K League Rookie award. The next year saw him represent Korea Republic at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, where he scored the only goal against Iran in extra time as his side progressed to the last four. Yoon also had his first taste of World Cup qualifying, making five appearances as Korea Republic booked qualification for Brazil 2014.

That, however, proved to be his last international outings, for four years. At club level, he scored just once during the entire 2013 season with new club Jeju United. The young prodigy was failing to live up to expectations, with media referring to him as a “forsaken genius”.

Yet Yoon bounced back in convincing fashion last season, netting six times and providing seven assists as Jeju finished among the top-six in the league. After moving to China this season, he continued his new-found form dazzling the Chinese audience through his accurate passes and spectacular goals. Yoon has so far notched four goals and four assists as the newly-promoted Yanbian secured a comfortable mid-table position.

“It was probably my club form that helped me earn a return to the national team,” Yoon said in reference of his recent call-up. “The coach might have watched my play and he decided to give me a chance.”

World Cup dreams
Having missed out on the last World Cup, Yoon is determined not to let the opportunity slip away this time around. With Asia’s third round of qualifying for Russia 2018 kicking off in September, he stated an intent of helping Korea Republic progress from a group which also features Iran, Uzbekistan, China PR, Qatar, and Syria.

“I want to prove myself and showcase my best skills,” Yoon said. “But most importantly, I want to help my team win matches. Firstly, I should learn quickly what the coach wants us to do. Moreover, as a team we need to make our goals clear – and that is to qualify for the World Cup. For every player, it is the pride of a lifetime to play in a World Cup. It is my childhood dream. I will do whatever I can if we make it to Russia 2018.

“I have confidence in my passing and goalscoring abilities. Of course, I will continue to work to improve my play. I will get myself toughened up through hard training and playing. Last but not least, although I am not the captain, I should shoulder more responsibility.”


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