Shame he wasn't there today, but hey ho.. ................................................... MARTIN OâNeill has told South Koreans that Ji Dong-won has the ability to make it as a Premier League player in England. But he says that the young international prospect needs to develop physically, if he is fully deliver on his potential. Speaking at the launch of the Peace Cup in Suwon yesterday, he addressed local interest in the 21-year-old striker, by saying: âHe has what it takes to succeed. âJi is technically a very, very good player. âHe has to come to terms with the physical element of the English game â thatâs the real challenge facing him. âBut if he rises to that challenge then he can go on to become a very, very good Premier League player for us. âWhat I can say, though, is that heâs adapting well and itâs up to him now. âIt really is up to him. âAt the moment he is away with the Olympic team due to perform in London, but he sends his regards to everyone in South Korea and Iâm sure heâll be cheering Sunderland on in the Peace Cup.â OâNeill went into todayâs opening game of the Peace Cup, against Seongnam, with no injury worries. Centre-back Titus Bramble needed stitches for a facial injury accidentally picked up in training, but that does not prevent him being available for the match. OâNeill said: âThe hospitality, the hotel, the food and facilities weâve had since arriving in South Korea could not have been any better and weâre looking forward to the tournament. âThe Peace Cup is a very important competition and one we want to do well in it. âWeâre still very raw in terms of sharpness because this early in our pre-season, but weâre improving by the day.â
That 1-0 against City shows he has a cool head and skill. MON is right; if he gets used to the physical aspects of the Prem he coul be a real player for us.
I'm still a long, long way from being convinced he will make it in the EPL? Looks like a little boy lost to me everytime I see him.
he apparently played something in the region of 14 times last year (where these 14 times were I cant recall as I can only remember Fulham, Man City and Wigan) however against man city, there arent many young players who would even try that against Hart let alone score it Against fulham he set up Bardsley for his goal and at wigan he looked calm on the ball and looked hungry the three times I have seen him I think he has been average-good whilst playing
Have to disagree Cest. I think he's great and currently superior than wickham (however I agree with you that he needs EPL time not champ) his work rate is top notch and he is always looking for the ball and trying to make something happen
This is my view, but he has a chance. His first goal for us v Chelsea, forgotten amidst the City winner, was an excellent first time finish on a fast moving ball. He has decent control, but he does look a wee bit lost at times. Worth another season, for sure. To add, he was 12 games into his season or so when we signed him, so had no rest, and hopefully the Olympics will effectively give him a really strong pre-season.
