5 observations from Team K League's win over Newcastle United | OneFootball

Team K League were impressive in dispatching Premier League side Newcastle United on Wednesday night. Kim Jin-gyu's first-half goal was enough to settle the match. All of the Team K League players performed well. But what stood out?

1. Bruno Mota is cut out for football at this level.

When you see Bruno Mota lining up opposite a team managed by Eddie Howe, it is worth remembering the Brazilian began his K League career in K3 with semi-pro outfit Cheonan City FC. He stayed with the club when they applied for K League membership, joining the second tier in 2023. Following two very productive seasons toiling up front for struggling Cheonan, he earned himself a move to FC Anyang.

Bruno Mota battles for possession against Newcastle United.

Mota has since helped himself to 10 goals and two assists with promoted Anyang. Fantastic investment and the biggest reason Anyang have a fighting chance of avoiding relegation. He was up against young Irish defender Alex Murphy in Suwon, a stadium he regularly caused havoc for Cheonan. Murphy isn't highly experienced but Mota won a couple of big aerial duels. In the first 45, he built an eye-catching relationship with Lee Dong-gyeong and reminded Anyang fans of what's to come when he linked up well with Thomas down the left. A fine player. He was the only one in black and green to play the whole 90 minutes.

2. Lee Dong-gyeong is box office.

27-year-old winger Lee Dong-gyeong will soon leave high-flying Gimcheon Sangmu for midtable turmoil at Ulsan HD (more on that later) when his mandatory military service comes to an end. The brilliant attacker missed the FIFA Club World Cup because of his service to his country, and that tournament would have been the perfect stage to showcase his undoubted talents. Lee has seven goals and five assists in 24 appearances for Sangmu. He is smack bang in the discussion for player of the season.

Having missed the FIFA shindig in the US, where better to remind everyone of your talent than a showdown with Premier League side Newcastle United. Lee's name rang around Big Bird on at least three occasions in the first half, easily more than any other player. He's box office. He gets fans off their seat and he always seems to make something happen. Lee probably should have scored one but he made amends with his assist for Kim Jin-gyu before the break. Coming in off his right flank, he was caused Newcastle plenty of problems during his 45 minutes on the pitch. If you're living in Korea, go to see Lee play soon. He's worth the admission fee.

3. The lifting of the goalkeeper ban shouldn't pose problems.

Cho Hyeon-woo is a very popular player. The Ulsan keeper is unquestionably Korea's number one and he is the reigning K League MVP. Perhaps starting matches like this is a reward for years of brilliant service, but it was refreshing to see a new keeper between the sticks in the second half. Cho is having a tough season with Ulsan. He's been to the US and back, started in the EAFF-1 Cup, and tonight captained Team K League in Suwon. Maybe he just loves playing football, but if any player deserves a break, it is Cho Hyeon-woo.

Kim Kyung-min came on at half time. Without detracting from Cho's service and professionalism, it felt like a great opportunity to observe another very solid K League keeper in the staring role. Gwangju's Kim is 33 now. Even though keepers tend to have a more prolonged career, his time is nearing an end. We could do with seeing more of K League's best between the sticks in exhibition friendlies, national team friendlies, or minor tournaments like EAFF-1. The talent is there. And that's why the lifting of the goalkeeper ban in 2026 should not have an impact. With close to 30 professional clubs, and a string of good goalkeepers, K League clubs won't need to ring up their scouts. Kim made two excellent saves when a revival was on the cards for Newcastle. He fitted in just fine.

4. K League has genuine talent.

We've heard a lot recently about the K League's struggles in AFC being partly down to the lack of technically gifted players in this league. Even Team K League's assistant manager, Lee Jung-hyo, has voiced that opinion. And who am I to argue with a manager who took a club with a tiny budget and almost non-existent fan-base further in Asia than any of his rivals this year? Lee would have seen first hand the quality of player on show for his opponents and arrived at that conclusion.

Now, it is worth remembering this was a pre-season kick about in hot and humid conditions for Newcastle, and we simply can't read too much into these games. But some of the football Team K League played against an increasingly leggy Newcastle was really impressive, especially in the second half. Luan and Jasir Asani looked like they've been playing together for years. Their one touch link up play was a joy to watch. Cesinha, too, was buzzing. The home team were far more likely to grab a second than Newcastle were to scoring. And don't forget Lee Dong-gyeong. Ulsan's Darijan Bojanić mopped up things well, despite one sloppy exit. All in all, a good showing from the league's finest. If only more Koreans would appreciate the quality that earns a wage in their country. We'd see fewer empty seats.

5. There is no rest for Kim Pan-gon.

Twice before the teams entered the field on Wednesday night, the fans inside Suwon World Cup Stadium booed. The first was for the now-obligatory disdain displayed towards the match officials. Although, by K League standards, this was mild and barely noticeable. The second round of booing accompanied Team K League manager Kim Pan-gon's face on the big screen. It wasn't long before the fans in the North Stand (a diverse group featuring supporters of most professional clubs) broke out into chants of 김판곤 나가! (Kim Pan-gon Get Out!).

The calm before the storm for Kim Pan-gon.

A rare moment of K League solidarity for the suffering Ulsan fans? Many of those protesting were wearing jerseys of rival clubs, such as Pohang Steelers and Jeonbuk Motors. Kim probably felt a sleepy exhibition match against English League Cup winners Newcastle United far from Ulsan's home in Munsu might have afforded him some relief. He was wrong. It is likely the team rivals were just joining in for the fun. Whatever their motivation, Kim's days at Ulsan are numbered. His team are 7th and he's facing mutiny from the stands. They kick-off August this Saturday against in-form Suwon FC. The pressure continues to mount.