National University's Beautiful Challenge Finally Fruits...'31-year-old 英 Challenge' Lee Myung-jae made his third-division debut in Birmingham
National University's Beautiful Challenge Finally Fruits...'31-year-old 英 Challenge' Lee Myung-jae made his third-division debut in Birmingham
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Lee Myung-jae, a full-back of the national team who challenged the European stage at a late age, finally made his debut.
Lee Myung-jae, who left K League 1 Ulsan HD to join Birmingham City in February, felt sorry for not being able to play for a while, but after Birmingham City's league victory was confirmed, he was given a chance in the remaining games and finally took the stage in the British third division.
Birmingham City, led by head coach Chris Davis, drew 0-0 at home in the 43rd round of the English League One (third division) of the 2024-25 season against Crawley Town at St Andrews Stadium in Birmingham, England on the 19th (Korea time).
The significance of the game was not significant because Birmingham City won 2-1 against Peterborough United on the 9th to confirm promotion to the English Championship (second division) and won the League One championship on the 12th as Wrexham and Wigan Athletic ended in a draw.
Davis intended to give opportunities to players who had not been able to participate often through the driving of the Crawley. Lee Myung-jae also made his England debut as a substitute around the 25th minute of the second half. Lee entered the game instead of Alex Cochrane at around the 25th minute of the second half and spent about 20 minutes in the stadium.
According to the soccer statistics magazine "Sofas Score," Lee received a 6.6 rating over 20 minutes with 20 touches, 92 percent pass success rate (12/13), two cross attempts, and one long pass success. He did not do a very good job, but he did a good job. He should also take into account that this is his first appearance as a member of Birmingham City.
Lee Myung-jae wore the Birmingham City uniform through a free agent in February. One of the best fullbacks in the K League 1 during his time in Ulsan, he chose to challenge for Europe at the age of 31 when Birmingham City's proposal came in while he was agonizing over renewal and transfer. Considering that players in their 30s generally move to China, the Middle East, or Japan, Lee Myung-jae's trip to Europe was truly a "surprise transfer."
At that time, Birmingham City was in a situation where its main fullback Lee Buchanan was injured and had to seek a full-back sale, but Lee Myung-jae, who had just been released as an FA, reached out to him, judging that it was a suitable sale. It was also helpful that it was open to South Korean players thanks to Baek Seung-ho, who plays as the main midfielder of Birmingham City, and that there was a connection between Baek Seung-ho and Lee Myung-jae.
Birmingham City said, "Lee Myung-jae, who has played seven games for the Korean national team, will increase his options in the defense ahead of our busy schedule." 안전놀이터
Lee Myung-jae, who has become a fan of Europe for a long time, also said, "I think it's been about a week (after Birmingham's interest). I've been looking forward to it, but I'm glad to be here," adding, "I'm glad to have opened the door to my first European life."