The form of Bae Jun-ho (22, Stoke City), who scored his '3rd goal,' is incredible.
On the 30th (Korea time), Stoke City achieved a 3-1 victory over QPR in the 39th round of the 2024-2025 English Championship home match held at Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England.
It was a great gift for Korean fans. A 'Korean derby' between Yang Min-hyeok and Bae Jun-ho took place in the English second division Championship. Yang Min-hyeok and Bae Jun-ho, who were both called up to the national team, faced each other as opponents. Bae Jun-ho scored his 3rd goal of the league, and Yang Min-hyeok responded with his debut goal.
The player who opened the scoring first was 'the king of Stoke City,' Bae Jun-ho. In the 21st minute of the first half, he elegantly surged in front of the goal to connect with a low cross from Chamadou on the right side, shaking the net. It was his 3rd goal of the league.
Yang Min-hyeok also scored his long-awaited first goal on English soil. After Stoke City went ahead 2-0, Yang Min-hyeok entered the game as a joker at the start of the second half. In the 33rd minute of the second half, Yang Min-hyeok finally scored. He accurately struck with his left foot from outside the box to convert a cross that came from the right.
Bae Jun-ho's performance is reflected in the numbers. According to the soccer statistics site 'Footmob,' Bae Jun-ho played 69 minutes, creating 2 opportunities, scoring 1 goal, achieving a passing accuracy of 83% (19/23), making 1 cross, 3 passes in the attacking area, 3 tackles, and 4 ground duels, earning him a rating of 8.1.
He also captured the coach's attention. After the match, Mark Robbins, the manager of Stoke City, said, 'Bae Jun-ho's goal was like a joke. It was a wonderful goal, and he struck it really well. He entered the space cleverly, and his touch on the ball was perfect. It was a truly excellent performance,' giving his highest praise.
Robbins continued, 'If he plays like today, he can elevate his level. Injured players have also returned, and the understanding of the game is increasing. I hope he keeps it up like this until the end of the season,' expressing his trust in Bae Jun-ho.
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