Foreign striker Willian (29, Brazil), who is challenging the K-League 1 stage in three years wearing a dark red uniform of FC Seoul, said with a bright smile.
Willian started his career as a ‘Seoul Man’ by joining the team heading to Hua Hin, Thailand, the first winter training ground through Incheon International Airport on the 8th. In a meeting with Sports Seoul, he said, “I am so happy to come to Seoul where there are good players. I think it remains only to prove it because I had the K-League 1 experience in Gwangju,” he said confidently.
Willian, who debuted in the K-League through Gwangju FC, which belonged to K-League 2 (2nd division) at the time after being active in Europe such as Portugal and Greece in 2019, has grown into a top-notch foreign striker. In the first year, he contributed to Gwangju’s promotion to the 1st division with 8 goals and 2 assists in 25 games, and the following year, he showed off his worth in K-League 1 with 5 goals and 3 assists in 17 games. In 2021, he moved to Gyeongnam FC and went back to K-League 2, scoring 11 goals and 2 assists in 27 games. Last year, he transferred to Daejeon Hana Citizen in June, the middle of the season, and helped the team to promote to the first division with 8 goals and 1 assist in 17 games.
The transfer to Seoul, one of the big K-League clubs, is another opportunity to prepare a foothold for a leap forward. you are aware of yourself Willian said, “Seoul is one of the big teams in Korea. The reason why it was easy to decide to transfer,” he said. “There are many good players, so you can get various help. I will prepare a lot from myself, and I have to take responsibility.”
Willian, who is 170 cm tall, is excellent at creative play based on Brazil’s unique personal tactics. Breaking through and finishing using speed has become a trademark. In particular, he can digest all areas of the second line, and he is the right person to fill the void of Jo Young-wook, who enlisted. He is drawing synergy with transfer classmates like Im Sang-hyeop and Park Soo-il, along with existing strikers such as “captain” Na Sang-ho and frontline goalkeeper Ilyuchenko (Russia/Germany). 메이저놀이터
Willian said, “My strength is my attitude of never giving up on every play. And wouldn’t it be dribbling?” “I think it’s important to adapt to the team’s training and game style. The goal is to raise as many attack points as possible in any position.”
There is also a ‘risk’ towards Willian. He often had conflicts with former team commanders such as Gyeongnam coach Seol Ki-hyeon. His assertiveness is strong. The key is what kind of chemistry he achieves with director Ahn Ik-soo, who has a strong sense of color. Inside Seoul, there is an atmosphere of not worrying too much. Just as veteran foreigner Adi encouraged and led Adriano, who was called a ‘bad boy’ in the past, Seoul’s own ‘foreign order’ will be formed well. Even at the breakfast table in the departure hall, the ‘four-year-old brother’ Ilyuchenko sat in front of Willian and approached him while talking to him warmly. Willian also welcomed him and hurriedly finished his bowl of soup.
It remains to be seen whether he will become the savior of ‘An Ik-su-ho’, who is aiming to rebuild the famous family.