Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Born: 10/07/85, Daegu, Korea Republic Position: Forward Current Club: Watford (ENG) - on loan from Arsenal (ENG) World Cup Matches: 6 World Cup Goals: 1
Park Chu-young will definitely be looking to make more chances in the upcoming Korea Republic-Algeria game after his header feed saw teammate Son Heung-min get his clearest sight of goal, but lashed wildly over from the edge of the Russian area during their opening game.
Park is a clinical finisher and is arguably one of Korea’s most talented strikers. He became prominent when he single-handedly led his nation to its 11th AFC Youth Championship in 2004, winning the top scorer and MVP awards in the process.
Park finished off the memorable year by winning the Asian Young Player of Year trophy, and later joined FC Seoul in the K-League and finished runner-up in the scoring chart to be later voted unanimously as the Rookie of the Year. His prolific domestic form earned Park his first international cap against Uzbekistan during the qualifying stages for Germany 2006.
Park then joined French Ligue 1 side Monaco in the summer of 2008 before taking part in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament. While playing in the French top flight, Park had a successful qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010. In the finals, Park scored a free-kick in a 2-2 draw with Nigeria that secured a place in the round of 16. Park was also a key member of the Asian Games squad later that year and the 2012 Men’s Olympic Tournament where the Taeguk Warriors finished third and won the bronze medal respectively.
Photo: AFP