Recent interview with Ji Sung Park

sammsky1

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Some great memories and inside stories from the SAF years. Ji Sung Park was one of my favourite players from the SAF era.
This type of player doesn't seem to exist in this era, but we would be dramatically improved if we had peak Ji Sung Park in our squad. I bet Klopp or Pep would also love him as a central midfield engine.

 

RUCK4444

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One of my favourite players from the SAF era.
This type of player doesn't seem to exist in this era, but we would be dramatically improved if we had peak Ji Sung Park in our squad

Definitely. Great player, incredible engine, gooner bully. Love him.
 

Mindhunter

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Absolutely. These type of threads really make me miss those days. Of course the trophies gave me joy but watching the team play with such togetherness and passion was something I miss. Even players with lesser talent would get into the team and score worldies. Gone at the days when John O Shea would score an injury time winner against Liverpool.

Park was a thorough professional and always give 110% every time he was on the field. Off the field too he was a model professional and a thorough gentleman. He deserved his place among his more illustrious colleagues and always ran, ran, and kept running. He is truly "three lung" Park.
 

Lynty

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You wouldn't have thought it at the time, but he was ahead of his time. Strange how much the game has changed in a short space of time.
 

sammsky1

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You wouldn't have thought it at the time, but he was ahead of his time. Strange how much the game has changed in a short space of time.
Yes. Klopp would love Park in his midfield.
He could also have performed for OGS as well, either as an 8, 10 or left side forward. Would have been amazing for the front press.
 

Lj82

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I love the way Scholesy described Park in a recent interview. He said that Park takes his training very seriously and when he marked Scholes, he would be totally expressionless and just go about his task. Scholes found him creepy :lol:
 

zizou81

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Park provided so much balance to the squad. I remember fans complaining about how SAF would select Park over Nani. Park could join any front three, play as a winger or in a more central role. Two footed, constantly switched positions with Rooney, Tevez, Nani and CR7 as they all were comfortable using any foot. Always covered Evra on over lapping runs. Such a team player. Plus he pitched in with some big game goals against Chelsea, Liverpool and especially the gooners. Miss him a lot.

We all know his ability to man mark and run his socks off, but most underrated skill was his footballing brain and the runs he would make in-between the lines and the wings.

Edit: had to skip the whole city winning part..ugh bad memories
 
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InfiniteBoredom

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Loved himself a goal against Arsenal, he did.

His attitude was top notch. Accepted his limitations and went about his job to the best of his ability whenever called upon. Was pivotal in us securing the title in 10-11 with his performances during the Christmas period and likewise for CL run in.
 

Web of Bissaka

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Gone at the days when John O Shea would score an injury time winner against Liverpool.
Not really.

1. Chris Smalling.
2. Scott McTominay.
3. Nemanja Matic.

Even players with lesser talent would get into the team and score worldies.
This is also still common.

James and Shaw can pull few in, even against decent teams.
 

Tomuś

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I may have skewed memory of it but wasn't Pirlo butt-hurt about the tactics we used in that 4-0 demolition job of AC Milan?
 

el3mel

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Really liked him back in the day. Was a big games player and an absolute warrior on the pitch.
 

McGrathsipan

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makes me sad when I think of how we used to be.
Quality player. Always loved him as a player
 

OleBoiii

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One of my all time favorites. Fun to watch, completely professional, versatile.
 

L1nk

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Absolutely loved this guy, yes he never had the pure footballing talent of say Ronaldo, but he made up for it in determination and desire, he was by no means a limited player himself and he is absolutely the kind of squad player we could do with right at this moment, the kind of player that can slot into the first 11 but also know that sometimes he has to be on the bench.

As others have said, I have no doubt Klopp would adore this guy in his midfield, and he would lend himself dearly to any high pressing team without a doubt, miss this guy, glad he's still working for the club in some capacity, a model professional. I believe Fergie said leaving him out of CL squad for the final was the hardest decision he's ever had to make as a manager no?
 

RashyForPM

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Him making it 6-1 against Arse in his final season despite clearly being past it was sensational :lol: Love the guy. What a player, and was every top midfielder’s kryptonite at his long peak.
 

hubbuh

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For arguments sake, Park or Henderson? I know they have different play styles but in terms of midfield engines and because I'm bored. Park all day for me.
 

Unam333

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Here's Ji-Sung building Lego Old Trafford while his lovely wife is asking him questions regarding his time at the club. Great to see him so happy.
 

Tomuś

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Yes.
He even mentioned it in his book.
I'd have thought a footballing genius like him could understand the concept of modern tactics but hey. Guess every single great has had moments of idiocy in public.
 

2 man midfield

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I'd have thought a footballing genius like him could understand the concept of modern tactics but hey. Guess every single great has had moments of idiocy in public.
I feel like it was just tongue in cheek from Pirlo. Probably didn’t come across very well due to the translation.
 

Tom Van Persie

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For arguments sake, Park or Henderson? I know they have different play styles but in terms of midfield engines and because I'm bored. Park all day for me.
Park and it's not even close.

I honestly struggle to think of a more underrated player. When everybody talks about our 2008/2009 team they always leave out Park. Even that goal against Arsenal they always leave out Park for some reason and only talk about Rooney and Ronaldo.
 

InfiniteBoredom

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I'd have thought a footballing genius like him could understand the concept of modern tactics but hey. Guess every single great has had moments of idiocy in public.
The whole book was written tongue in cheek, Pirlo acted like the 2nd coming of Jesus in it and that particular episode was like ‘how dare he mark the magnificent me’.

pretty fun read tbh.
 

VivaObertan

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I may have skewed memory of it but wasn't Pirlo butt-hurt about the tactics we used in that 4-0 demolition job of AC Milan?
I read the Pirlo book a few years back and the way he describes Park as this anti footballer who hates beauty is poetic!

(The whole book is written tongue in cheek like this, also describes SAF in a similar way for deploying the tactic in the first place.)
 

sammsky1

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For arguments sake, Park or Henderson? I know they have different play styles but in terms of midfield engines and because I'm bored. Park all day for me.
Park every single time. Plus JSP could also go wide and deliver brilliant crosses, even from a starting role as CM.

as @Lynty mentioned above, Park’s skill set is more relevant to 2020 than it was when he played. Prototype CM for a high press team.
 

Man of Leisure

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What are your thoughts on the GOAT?

aka Heung-min
Enjoy watching him play. Obviously a great talent but wish he was tougher mentally. If Park's heart and brain can be transplanted into Son's body, he'd be the perfect footballer. Also think Poch was better suited for Son's game than Jose is.
 

Man of Leisure

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Here's Ji-Sung building Lego Old Trafford while his lovely wife is asking him questions regarding his time at the club. Great to see him so happy.
Just found the OT Lego set on Amazon - $300 :eek: Never touched legos since I was a kid, but I'm tempted.