Gwangju FC one-club man and flanking nucleus Doo Hyun-seok missed a golden opportunity by a hair’s breadth. He put the disappointment behind him and looked forward to next season.
Doo Hyun-seok had one of the best seasons of his career. He scored two goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances in the K League One this season. Not only did he record his most offensive points since joining Gwangju in 2018, but he also started every game. It’s clear to see how much coach Lee Jung-hyo trusts Doo Hyun-seok.
He came close to winning the assist title this season. With seven assists this season, he was only one away from Baek Sung-dong (Pohang Steelers, eight assists).
Doo Hyun-seok had his best chance at an assist on March 3 in the home finale of the Hana OneQ K League 2023 Round 38 against the Pohang Steelers. On that day, Gwangju dominated the match with 17 total shots and 11 on target, and Doo supported the strikers with sharp crosses from the flanks.
Gwangju’s attackers were unable to convert Doo Hyun-seok’s sharp crosses and passes into goals. Even Pohang goalkeeper Hwang In-jae made a tremendous save to deny Doo Hyun-seok’s assist.
At the 2023 Hana One Q K League Grand Award Ceremony held on the 4th, he said, “I would be lying if I said I didn’t want the assist. My team’s strikers apologized. I told them, ‘Don’t feel sorry for me, let’s hit him with a few punches when we meet next year (laughs).
Doo summarized this season as a season of growth. At 28 years old, he was surprised at how much his skills have improved. The reason for this, of course, is the presence of coach Lee Jung-hyo. 토토사이트
“I grew a lot under him,” he said. I didn’t play because I was good. I played because a lot of players were injured. “I learned a lot from him, but if I had to pick one thing, I’m grateful that I can still grow a little more at this age,” he said.
For Doo, the new season is a new challenge. Gwangju finished third in the K League 1 this season, qualifying for the AFC Champions League Elite Playoffs. It’s a first for both Gwangju and Doo Hyun-seok.
“The moment our ACL ticket was confirmed, I think we deserve it. “This is our best season so far, but I hope we can continue it. I don’t want to be satisfied with this. We have big goals, so we want to move forward.”