Towering striker eyes spot next to Son Heung-min on nat'l team

All News 19:17 November 27, 2017

ULSAN, Nov. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korean striker Kim Shin-wook said Monday he is ready to show his own colors at the upcoming regional tournament to prove himself as a worthy attacking partner to Son Heung-min on the national team.

Kim is one of 24 players called up for the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship in Tokyo next month. South Korea, which qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, will face Japan, China and North Korea from Dec. 9 to 16.

The E-1 Football Championship isn't on the official FIFA international calendar, and European clubs aren't obliged to release their international players. That left head coach Shin Tae-yong to prepare for the tournament without Son, who is with the English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Son proved his attacking caliber in two friendly matches earlier this month. He scored both goals in South Korea's 2-1 victory over Colombia and also played full-time in the national team's 1-1 draw with Serbia.

On both occasions, Son played up front instead of on the flanks. Although the 25-year-old attacker will be absent at the tournament, Kim, who last played for South Korea in August, said he can show his abilities as Son's partner.

"People talk about Son's partner, and I have my own options and playing style," he said before training at Ulsan Stadium. "I want to show my colors at the tournament."

Kim, who is with K League Classic champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, has three goals in 38 matches for South Korea. Though his goal scoring record isn't prolific, the 29-year-old is known for his presence in the air with his 196-centimeter frame.

"I haven't played with Son much since the 2014 World Cup, but we've played together quite a lot, so there's no problem," he said. "I think we can have fun playing with each other."

Kim, who was the 2013 K League MVP, said that he still needs time to learn national team tactics.

"I think I can play a good game if I can show my strengths in line with the national team's tactics" he said. "For this team, we have players like Lee Keun-ho and Yeom Ki-hun whom I've played with in the past, so I expect a good result."