Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Bangkok: Korea Republic coach Choi Jin-cheul hailed Lee Seung-woo as a "brilliant player" with a bright future after the Barcelona striker was named MVP and top scorer at the AFC U-16 Championship.
Spain-based striker Lee scored five goals in four games, which included a superb solo run and finish in the quarter-final win over Japan, to propel Korea Republic to Saturday's final against DPR Korea.
But despite being unable to add to his tally as Korea Republic lost 2-1 in the final at Rajamangala Stadium, Lee claimed both individual accolades.
"I am happy to have met such a brilliant player as Lee Seung-woo," said former Korea Republic international Choi, who played at the FIFA World Cup in 2002 and 2006.
"I really like the way he plays, but people need to wait and see him in the future."
Lee missed Korea Republic's opening win over Oman due to suspension, but returned to the line-up with the only goal on Matchday Two against Malaysia after evading five defenders before netting from just inside the penalty area.
The 16-year-old then opened the scoring against hosts Thailand with another eye-catching finish after exchanging passes with Barcelona team-mate Jang Gyeol-hee on the edge of the penalty area to set Choi's side on their way to a comfortable 2-0 win and top spot in Group A.
Lee was on the periphery of the game for most of the first half in the quarter-final against Japan only for the diminutive frontman to turn home Kim Jung-min's cross three minutes before half-time.
And with Lee adding an eye-catching second two minutes into the second half as he ran from inside his own half before rounding the goalkeeper, Korea Republic secured a 2-0 win to qualify for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
In the semi-finals, Syria attempted to man-mark Lee, and while he only netted a second-half penalty, four assists ensured Korea Republic posted a 7-1 win.
But in the final despite remaining Korea Republic's main attacking threat, Lee failed to find a way past DPR Korea goalkeeper Ri Chol-song.
"I am disappointed by this result, but the players did well and did their best. I will now try my best in the World Cup next year," said Lee, who joined Barcelona in 2011 after impressing at the Danone Cup in South Africa while playing for Daedong Elementary School.
"Even though I was named top scorer and MVP, I am sad about this result.
"I was able to play well because of my team-mates and head coaches and I would like to thank my team-mates and my coaches.
"I am still very young and I need to learn more with my national team and my team in Spain, and also learn more about defending styles."
Korea Republic, meanwhile, also claimed the Fair Play award after picking up just six yellow cards in their six games.