Name: Yu-jin Kim
Date of Birth: 2 April 2008
Nationality: North Korea
Club: 4.25 Sports Club
National Team: North Korea U17 (Captain)
Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder

PLAYER SUMMARY

Yu-jin Kim is a modern attacking player with a strong all-around profile, combining pace, technical reliability, work ethic and leadership qualities. As captain of the North Korea U17 national team, he demonstrates personality and responsibility well beyond his age. Kim is not a passive attacking talent, he is an active, high-intensity forward who contributes across all phases of the game.

He stands out as a player who can influence matches not only through goals and assists, but also through pressing, ball progression and long-range shooting. His ability to combine speed, discipline and technical correctness makes him particularly attractive for high-tempo, transition-based systems.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Ball Control & First Touch

• Technically very clean and correct in his execution.
• Secure first touch, even at speed, allowing him to maintain control while attacking space.
• Comfortable receiving between the lines or on the half-turn under pressure.

Shooting & Long-Range Threat

• One of his standout qualities.
• Highly accurate shots from outside the penalty area, with good body balance and clean striking technique.
• Confident shooting from distance, does not hesitate when space opens.
• Capable of scoring against set defences through mid-range attempts.

Passing & Link-Up Play

• Reliable short-to-medium passing range.
• Connects midfield and attack effectively, often acting as a reference point in offensive phases.
• Good awareness of teammates’ positioning and timing of releases.

Dribbling & Ball Carrying

• Not a flashy dribbler, but very efficient.
• Uses speed, body positioning and timing rather than excessive skill moves.
• Effective when attacking space in transition or driving diagonally towards goal.

Technical Consistency

• Low error rate in basic actions (control, pass, shot).
• Plays with maturity and clarity rather than unnecessary risk.

PHYSICAL / ATHLETIC CHARACTERISTICS

Speed & Acceleration

• Very good straight-line speed and first-step acceleration.
• Dangerous when attacking space behind the defensive line.
• Speed remains effective both with and without the ball.

Work Rate & Intensity

• Extremely high work rate for an attacking player.
• Constantly involved in pressing, counter-pressing and recovery runs.
• Willing to track back and contribute defensively despite offensive role.

Endurance

• Maintains intensity over full matches.
• Capable of sustaining high physical output across tournaments and consecutive fixtures.

Physical Potential

• Frame allows for further development in strength without losing mobility.
• Well suited for modern high-intensity football demands.

TACTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Positioning & Role

• Primarily operates as a forward or advanced attacking midfielder.
• Comfortable playing between the lines, but also effective attacking depth.
• Can lead the press from the front and set defensive intensity.

Off-Ball Movement

• Intelligent and disciplined movement.
• Times runs well, both into the box and into shooting zones outside the area.
• Creates space for teammates through movement, not just ball actions.

Defensive Contribution

• Very strong defensive involvement for an attacker.
• Understands pressing triggers and team structure.
• Frequently initiates pressure and forces turnovers high up the pitch.

Best Tactical Systems

• 4-3-3 as a forward who presses aggressively and attacks half-spaces.
• 4-2-3-1 as a central attacking midfielder with shooting freedom.
• 4-4-2 as a second striker with responsibility to press and drop.
• Particularly effective in high-tempo, transition-oriented teams.

MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

Leadership

• Clear leadership profile, confirmed by captaincy role at international level.
• Vocal, responsible and involved in organizing teammates on the pitch.

Mentality & Professionalism

• Strong competitive mentality.
• Takes responsibility in key moments (shooting, pressing, decision-making).
• Shows maturity, discipline and focus throughout matches.

Work Ethic

• Exemplary attitude — constant effort regardless of match situation.
• Sets standards for intensity and commitment.

Composure

• Calm in finishing situations and under pressure.
• Shows confidence without arrogance.

STRENGTHS

• Very good pace and acceleration
• Accurate and confident long-range shooting
• Technically correct and reliable
• High work rate and defensive contribution
• Strong pressing and transition play
• Leadership qualities (captain)
• Tactical discipline and game understanding
• Mental maturity for his age

WEAKNESSES / DEVELOPMENT AREAS

• Physical strength can still be developed further
• Limited exposure to senior professional football
• Needs adaptation to higher tactical complexity at senior level
• End product consistency against stronger, more compact defences must be tested