By Kang Seung-woo
Lee Dong-gook has been given what is probably a last chance to repair his damaged reputation with the national team after his former club manager named the 32-year-old to his squad Friday.
Korea’s manager Choi Kang-hee announced a 26-player roster that included five from his old team, Jeonbuk Motors, and as widely expected, Lee, who enjoyed a renaissance in the K-League under Choi, has been called up.
Since taking over from the abruptly-fired Cho Kwang-rae in December, the 52-year-old has continuously said he will bring four or five players from the Jeonju-based club saying, “Lee is better than any other player in his position.”
Lee was also on the roster in October ahead of a World Cup qualifier against the United Arab Emirates but was limited to a substitute appearance, as opposed to a first-team choice in the K-League.
Despite struggling in recent appearances when representing his country, Choi could not ignore Lee’s impressive numbers in the domestic league.
Last year, Lee, a former Middleborough striker, found the net 16 times and set up 15 goals ― a single-season K-League record ― to contribute to Jeonbuk claiming its second league title in three years. He also won a second most valuable player (MVP) award over the same period.
Choi believes Lee, who appeared in 29 league matches last year, will be more effective than players in overseas leagues who spend most of their time on the bench ahead of a crunch World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on Feb. 29.
The manager is confident that the striker will gel with his strategies.
“Lee has contributed to Jeonbuk topping the league with me. I need to check his fitness but as he is a highly skilled player, I expect him to feature in the national team,” said Choi.
Lee, who made his national team debut at the 1998 France World Cup when he was just 19, recently said that he still wants to play for his country.
Since that tournament, he has failed to meet expectations on the international stage.
“I still dream of representing my country until I retire from football. I believe I will have another chance to play for the national team if I remain at the height of my game,” Lee said at last year’s K-League award ceremony.
The Taeguke Warriors face Kuwait at home on Feb. 29 in their final third round match in Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Korea must draw or win to ensure progress to the next qualifying stage. Ahead of the key game, Korea will host Uzbekistan in a friendly on Feb. 25.