Na Sang-ho (27), a side striker of FC Seoul in the professional soccer K-League 1, has gained wings this season. As of the 23rd, as of the 23rd, as of the 23rd, he is tied for first place (5 goals), raising expectations for a personal career high season. 

What is the secret of Na Sang-ho’s goal storm at the beginning of the season? He cited the mentorship of team senior Hwang Eui-jo (31) without hesitation as the secret to his great success.

Na Sang-ho scored 메이저놀이터the first goal in the 8th round of Hana 1 Q K League 1 2023 against Suwon Samsung held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 22nd, leading the team to a 3-1 victory. Throughout the game, he showed off his vigorous activity on the side and attacked Suwon’s defense. The opening goal in the first half and the key goal by Palosevich (30) in the second half all came from Na Sang-ho’s feet. 

The scene that caught our attention was the first goal. Na Sang-ho took over Hwang Ui-jo and Ki Sung-yong’s (34) joint play and showed a sensible heel pass. Although the pass was blocked by Suwon’s defense, when the ball fell in front of Na Sang-ho, he immediately attempted a left-footed shot and cut the net. He immediately ran in front of the away fans in Suwon and cheered loudly, raising the atmosphere of the ‘Super Match’.

After the game, Na Sang-ho gave credit for his recent performance, saying, “I was greatly helped by (Hwang) Eui-jo.” In particular, he explained that he was learning a lot about Hwang Eui-jo’s ‘mental management’. The two players recently go to work together and talk a lot. The day before the game, we camp together, analyze, and prepare to play together. As they adjust their daily routines, the promised play of the two appears on the ground. Next, Na Sang-ho added, “I think I can maintain a good condition after learning (Hwang) Eui-jo’s mental management and training routine.”

The effect was excellent. Na Sang-ho scored 5 goals in 8 league games. Hwang Eui-jo is disappointing compared to his reputation with two goals, but it is said that he plays a more important role within the team. In particular, Seoul coach Ahn Ik-soo (58) told Hwang Ui-jo at the time of his joining, “I think I should score every game,” but recently, “He plays a more important role as a mentor than goals. He praised him as a player who sets a great example for his juniors.”

Hwang Eui-jo and Na Sang-ho’s training camp has only two months left. Hwang Eui-jo of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Seoul’s lease contract ends in June. Na Sang-ho laughed, saying, “I always jokingly tell (Hwang’s) brother-in-law that I don’t know what the future holds.” In response, Hwang Eui-jo laughed during the Mixed Zone interview and replied, “My goal is to score many goals in Seoul,” but “I will improve my performance and challenge the European stage.”

As of now, the camp for the two is expected to end soon. However, their good chemistry can lead to the national team led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann (59). Both players are the core power of the national team.