Tae-seok Lee
LWB
Possession Builder
Jul 28, 2002 (24)
Left
5'10"
159 lb
Second chance disappointing
Lee logged five crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created across 45 minutes during the Korea Republic's 1-0 loss Wednesday against South Africa.
Analysis: During the Koreans' preceding game, Lee did not play their 1-0 loss against Mexico. Perhaps because of Korea's aforementioned loss, team manager Hong Myung-bo reverted to using the left wingback again. Overall, Lee did not reward his coach's decision, though it was not without a valiant effort. Only he and Lee Kang-in logged at least five crosses Wednesday. The former's problem is that his cross attempts were so wild that they prompted a relatively quick substitution, with Jens Castrop in. For the 2026 World Cup's group stage, Lee logged eight crosses (one accurate) and three chances created. But because the Koreans' flank depth is a problem, even if they advance, he will not be ensured playing time for their knockout-stage games against more difficult competition.
Three crosses, two chances created
Lee logged three crosses (one accurate) and two chances created in Thursday's 2-1 win against the Czech Republic.
Analysis: As expected, the far-left side of South Korea's tactical includes Lee as its main threat. In terms of crosses, he and fellow wing-back Seol Young-Woo logged the team's high, with three. Unlike his fellow wing-back, Lee also created multiple chances, only one of four Koreans to do so. Lee will be a supplementary attacker for Korea, whose latest win indicates that their primary source of attack is through the middle.
Returns to group
Tae-Seok (calf) was back in team training Monday ahead of their World Cup opener against Czechia on June 11, according to Steve Han.
Analysis: Tae-Seok is back in training following some complaints of a sore calf, as the defender took part in drills with his teammates in Mexico. This is a solid addition back to the group for the club as their opener sits just a few days away, seemingly ready for the match against Czechia. He is slated to be a starter on the left of the midfield if fit for the opener, so this is a major addition for the team.
Dealing with sore calf
Tae-Seok was not involved in training with the Korean national team Sunday due to calf discomfort, Steve Han of Sky Sports reports.
Analysis: Tae-Seok is now a doubt for South Korea's first group-stage matchup versus Czechia as he looks to recover in upcoming days. He has recently featured as a left wing-back, though he has alternated starts with Jens Castrop, who would be the likeliest beneficiary of the Austria Wien man's absence.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare