German mixed-heritage midfielder Jens Castroff (Borussia Mönchengladbach), who was suddenly called up to the South Korea national team and made an impression in the September A match, has continued his upward trend after returning to his club.
Castroff said in an interview with Bild on the 25th (Korean time), "I lost confidence after making a mistake in the match just before the September A match call-up. But by playing well for the South Korea national team, I regained my confidence."
Born to a Korean mother and a German father, Castroff grew up in Germany and experienced the national team at youth levels. Ahead of this season he joined Bundesliga powerhouse Borussia Mönchengladbach, but he did not meet expectations early in the season. In the Stuttgart match on the 30th of last month, he committed a critical mistake after coming on as a substitute and provided the pretext for the 0-1 defeat.
But joining the South Korea national team became a turning point. Castroff played in the two-match series against the United States and Mexico last September and showed an impressive performance. He regained confidence after receiving praise from coach Hong Myung-bo, and carried that form back to his club stage.
Borussia Mönchengladbach recently made a coaching change, and Castroff made his Bundesliga starting debut on the 22nd in the away match at Bayer Leverkusen. He briefly shook the opponent's net in the second half, but after a VAR review the goal was ruled offside, leaving him disappointed. Even so, he received positive evaluations for his spirited movement and bold play.
He expressed a sense of responsibility toward his club, saying, "When the goal went in my emotions exploded, but it was canceled so my heart hurt. But I think of the team first. I am satisfied to have taken one point from the Leverkusen away match."
Meanwhile, after Castroff's call-up to the South Korea national team, interest in his military service status has continued in Germany. However, it is expected that there will be no major problems in practice. According to the Military Service Act, a person with multiple nationalities from birth who has lived abroad since before age 24 can have compulsory military service deferred until age 37, and at 38 is exempted from active duty enlistment. Also, military service obligation arises if one resides in Korea for more than six months in a year or conducts economic activity for more than 60 days, which does not apply to Castroff, who continues his playing career in Germany.
Castroff said about this, "I am discussing it with my agent. For now I am happy to be playing for the South Korea national team. I will resolve the military service issue step by step."
Attention is focused on what growth Castroff, who regained confidence through the A matches, will continue to show on the German stage.
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