Suwon: Barely a week after signing with Newcastle United, South Korean teenager Park Seung-soo couldn't have asked for a better debut with the Premier League club than the one he had Wednesday night. The 18-year-old took the field in the 82nd minute of the Magpies' preseason match against Team K League at the Suwon World Cup Stadium, which had been his home for two seasons while playing for Suwon Samsung Bluewings in K League 2.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Park received loud cheers as he entered the match, and they grew as he displayed impressive moves inside the box during his limited playtime. Although Newcastle lost the match 1-0, the experience was invaluable for Park. "I am most confident in my dribbling skills, and I wanted to show fans the things I do the best," Park said. He expressed his intent to entertain fans and was pleased with the outcome of his performance. Despite feeling strange wearing a different uniform, Park is determined to integrate into the team and make his Premier League debut soon.
When Newcastle announced Park's signing, he was set to join their under-21 squad and had not initially been included in their Asian tour squad. However, he joined in time for the South Korea match, and head coach Eddie Howe fulfilled his promise to play Park in front of his home fans. Describing his experience, Park said, "I thought it'd be great to make my debut here at Big Bird, and the coach gave me a great opportunity."
Park recognizes the areas he needs to work on, such as increasing his strength and conditioning. "I need to hit the weight room, and get bigger and stronger," Park stated, acknowledging the physicality of players outside Korea.
Coaches from both teams praised Park's performance. Eddie Howe commented on Park's ability to handle expectations and his impressive one-on-one skills. Team K League coach Kim Pan-gon noted Park's speed and dribbling skills, comparing his potential to that of Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min.
Park, however, aspires to carve out his own identity. "I want to be the first Park Seung-soo, someone that others want to be like," he said. He eagerly anticipates facing Son Heung-min when Newcastle plays Tottenham in their next preseason match in Seoul. Park looks forward to meeting Son and expressing his admiration for him.