Im Deok-geun (23, Hana, Daejeon) of ‘Im Deok-bae’ is getting more important.
Lim Deok-geun was replaced in the 22nd minute of the second half of the 7th round of the ‘Hana 1 Q K League 1 2023’ between Daejeon and Ulsan Hyundai held on the 15th. When defender Kim Hyeon-woo was injured, Daejeon coach Lee Min-seong put Lim Deok-geun in to keep the 2-1 lead. In the end, Daejeon defeated champions Daejeon 2-1 and continued their home unbeaten run.
Lim Deok-geun is a player whose position is difficult to define. Sometimes he plays as a central midfielder, and sometimes as a central defender like this day. When I asked Lim Deok-geun, who came out after the game against Ulsan, about his main position, he himself shook his head. “No matter where the coach tells me to run, I can run anywhere,” came an exciting answer. 메이저놀이터
Im Deok-geun said, “If you play as a starter, you are almost a midfielder. When he comes as a substitute, he is a centre-back. One of my strengths is being able to play multiple positions. While waiting for his appearance, both midfielders and central defenders prepare. He explained that the position he is most confident in right now is midfielder.”
It also has attack power. On this day, he joined the attack at the end of the second half and hit a cannonball mid-range shot. National team goalkeeper Cho Hyeon-woo managed to blow his body and knock it out. The moment Deok-geun Lim’s clothesline shot came out, all the 16,000 spectators who filled the Daejeon World Cup Stadium lifted their butts and hurrahed.
Im Deok-geun said, “I am confident in my shooting power. Coach Lee Min-seong told me to ‘just play defense’, but I try to shoot mid-range once or twice.” Goalkeeper Lee Chang-geun, whom he listened to next to him, said, “During training, Deok-geun always hits hard. That’s why I don’t block it and leave it alone.” 메이저놀이터
K-League fans even nicknamed Lim Deok-geun “Im Deok-bae.” It was borrowed from Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne’s Korean nickname, ‘Kim Deok-bae’. Im Deok-geun said, “It is an undeserved compliment. He laughs, saying, “I think people call me Im Deok-bae because he sometimes puts up good shots or crosses.”
On this day, coach Lee confessed, “Daejeon plays attack soccer because it is not good at defense.” What do you think from a defender’s point of view? Im Deok-geun said, “Daejeon doesn’t have many experienced defenders. average age is young There is a part that I can’t stand at the end. If I gain experience in the future, I think I will develop well. I think the director mentioned that.”
The coaching staff of the national team visited the match between Daejeon and Ulsan. Adviser Cha Doo-ri and coach Michael Kim (Kim Young-min) watched the players of both teams from the headquarters seat. Lim Deok-geun, who has been selected for the U-23 national team under the age of 23, can also be given a chance.
Lim Deok-geun said, “If you go to the national team in Daejeon, Bae Jun-ho is the most influential. Junho is young and very talented. If he develops a little more, he will be able to go to the national team.” He added, “I’m still a long way off.”