I have gone on record to say imo, I don't think he has to make it here, as he just looks so lost whenever I have seen him play. That incredible Man City goal apart - which admittedly was a superb cool strikers goal - the game just passes him by for me. However, he has been here a full year now and has had some time to settle and become used to the area, the country and the culture. He is a very young man and this has been a massive leap in standard for him and maybe I have been rash and too quick to decide. He has scored a wonder goal at the Olympics, even if he has been sparingly used against the GB team and maybe he can offer much more this coming season. Certainly MoN seems to like the lad and has spoken highly of him in recent weeks. It would seem he is earmarked for a much bigger role next season? So, can his fans and supporters offer me some reasons why I should give the lad a second chance?
IMO, unless he's on substantial wages, you might as well keep him. You need depth in that area. You need more strikers, and getting rid of them will not help your cause.
If MON likes him as he clearly does, I won't express my view, must see something which I haven't yet.
I think he looks decent. He's young and the one thing just about guaranteed with South Korean players is a strong work ethic.
I honestly think getting rid of Campbell would help, a couple of million in the kitty and more off the wage bill. That goal last season, as spectacular as it was, aside I don't think he offers much at this level and he's getting too old to live off potential.
This is not really a question for me - he's a definite keep. I can't see any point in letting him go after one season, as he's very young and South Korea to Sunderland is no mean culture shock. The City goal shows he has a good head on his shoulders and we'll know just how good or bad he is soon enough.
Personally think Ji has the potential to be a very good player, he can pass, he can make runs and as proven in the olympics he can shoot when he wants to... Think it is mainly the language barrier atm however after learning the language I think he could fit in very quickly, not only that but he has shown little moments of quality... Man city, didnt think anyone expected that and since then has become a cult-hero (I will be getting his name and number on the back of my shirt!) Fulham, the ball was passed to him and with his first touch set up Bardsley for an absolute screamer Wigan, was very unlucky with a shot that just went past the post if i remember correctly and recieved a standing ovation by the fans According to Wikipedia he made 14 appearances, 11 of which I cant actually remember but fair enough
The only way to see what he can do is give him game time. He needs game time to get used to his team mates as they do to get used to him. The best teams have the benefit of having stable starting elevens and they can read what each other are going to do. No amount of training can teach that, only match time can. I saw a higher rate of balls getting to Sess at the end of the season, as you could see his team mates getting to read his movement better. I have seen more promise from Ji than I have from Wickham.
I think the lad is definitely worth another season. He has a pretty decent touch, and the goals v Chelsea & City were both superbly taken. Add to that he came to us, not speaking English, young, culture change & half way through his domestic season (meaning he hadn't had any break), and we could see something this year. You have to be a very, very good player to get in the Korea side now, and he has a smashing record at international level.
I have a feeling in me water that Ji will come reet good, he has skill, positional sense and a footballing brain. He might not like heading a ball but his stike partner does, mind Sess really doen't suit a 4-4-2. Sorry I was jumping the gun there......
