Korea Republic recently announced their squad for the upcoming Men's Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 with young striker Song Minkyu a notable inclusion. The in-form FC Pohang Steelers forward is a welcome fresh attacking option for coach Kim Hakbum's side on the back of some excellent club form. Indeed, the dynamic predator proved to be one of the biggest revelations on the domestic scene last season, scoring ten times plus providing six assists to help Pohang to third in the K League and a return to the AFC Champions League. Song’s impressive showings were enough to be named Young Player of the Year. This season has seen him continue that rich vein of form and he has struck seven times so far. Notably, the diverse nature of his goals provide evidence of much-heralded promise with goals scored from powerful volleys, right-footed pile-drivers and unstoppable headers. "Last season was really a starting point of my career," the 21-year-old recently told FIFA.com. "I did my part in helping my side to the AFC Champions League. It [2020] was an unforgettable year for me. "At the start of last season, I had doubt over my chances of winning the Young Player of the Year award. With my goals and assists accumulated, however, I became increasingly determined to win the award and I finally achieved that aim. But winning the award was just a small step forward and I will work harder to raise my game to a higher level. My new goals are to make to the league's Best Eleven or win the Most Valued Player award next season."

Meteoric rise In a sense, Song stunned even his own supporters through his performances last season and he attributed that meteoric rise to those supporting him. "Many said I made really fast progress but I am aware that there is work to do if I am to become a better player. I owe thanks to those who have helped and supported me. Firstly, my gratitude goes to my club coach Kim Gidong who has shown consistent trust in me. And my parents have always encouraged me to do my job well." The person who has influenced him most is, however, his former club team-mate Kim Seungdae who left for Jeonbuk Motors in 2019. A 30-year-old veteran, Kim has played the role as a mentor down the years. "He [Kim] always gives me a lot of good advice on what to do as a player, both on and off the field," he said. "He teaches me things when either we meet on person or speak on phone and gives me tips. He is a like a brother-like figure for me."

International baptism of fire Minkyu’s eye-catching form didn't go unnoticed as he received his first call-up to the national U-23 team's training camp in March. That was followed by a bigger surprise when he was called up to the national senior side for the recent 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ qualifiers for the first time. And Song showed little stage fright in his international debut, scoring a leveller in the 2-1 defeat of Lebanon. Having helped Taegeuk Warriors through to the next qualifying round and with the Olympics just around the corner, Song has naturally switched his focus to Tokyo 2020. "It was a great honour for me joining the national Olympic team. My aims are to put in good individual performances and help my team to good results in the Olympics. I hope my Olympic performances will give me a better opportunity to make further progress and cement my place with the senior national team." Pitted against New Zealand, Honduras and Romania, some expectations for Korea Republic are high. Song, however, said that no teams can be underestimated at this level of competition. "Quite a few people say this is a good draw for us. But I don't think there will be easy opponents in the Olympics. We can't get the results we want unless we enter the competition well-prepared as a team." Song, however, didn’t hide his ambitions of at least matching their London 2012 bronze medal. "There are plenty of big things for me ahead this year: K League, FA Cup, AFC Champions League. But the closest is the Olympics. My next goals are to focus on the Olympic competition and I will do my best to help my team win an Olympic medal." *Images courtesy of FC Pohang Steelers