PLAYER INFORMATION

Name: Sun-woo Ham (함선우)
Date of Birth: 28 January 2005
Nationality: South Korea
Current Club: FC Seoul
Position: Centre-Back
Preferred Foot: Right
Height: 1.91 m

PLAYER SUMMARY

Sun-woo Ham is a physically robust centre-back with a commanding presence and strong defensive fundamentals. At 1.91 m, he has a stature well-suited to aerial duels and physical confrontations. He has featured extensively in K League 2 during his loan spell, earning regular starts and contributing both defensively and occasionally with goal or assist contributions.

Ham’s consistent involvement at club and youth international levels signals that he is on the pathway to becoming a dependable defender, capable of handling both structured defensive duties and transitional play. While still developing technically and tactically, he shows the basis of a modern centre-back with potential for growth into higher-level competition.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Ball Control & First Touch

  • Solid first touch for a central defender, allows him to control long passes and settle the ball cleanly under pressure.
  • Capable of making simple, safe passes out of defence to maintain possession.

Passing & Distribution

  • Prefers short, accurate distribution as part of structured build-ups.
  • When pressed, he generally opts for controlled, lateral or backward passes, prioritizing possession retention.

Aerial Ability

  • Strong in aerial duels due to height and timing.
  • Regularly wins headers in defensive and set-piece situations.

Tackling & Defensive Engagement

  • Shows solid technique when engaging attackers in direct duels; relies on positioning and balance rather than rash challenges.
  • Good standing tackle timing and ability to win physical battles.

Intercepting & Anticipation

  • Reads forward passes effectively and times interceptions well.
  • Works cohesively with defensive partners to block passing lanes.

PHYSICAL / ATHLETIC CHARACTERISTICS

Height & Strength

  • Tall and physically imposing, assists in duel dominance and physical confrontations.
  • Core strength is developing but already effective against league opponents.

Mobility & Speed

  • Adequate mobility for his role. Does not lack pace over moderate distances, useful for recovery runs.
  • Not explosive in short sprints but compensates with strong positioning and stride length.

Balance & Body Control

  • Maintains balance well during physical challenges and in aerial contests.

TACTICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Positioning & Defensive Shape

  • Reads the game in terms of spacing, anticipating forward runs and structuring the backline effectively.
  • Comfortable playing in a compact defensive block or deeper line depending on tactical setup.

Role in Build-Up

  • Assists in building play from the back, especially under controlled possession.
  • Not typically a long-ball specialist but reliable for short, progressive distribution.

Pressing & Engagement

  • Participates in coordinated defensive pressing rather than isolated forward pressure.
  • Focuses on maintaining shape and covering central areas.

Best Tactical Fit

  • 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3 as a centre-back within a structured defensive system.
  • Teams valuing tactical discipline and progressive build-ups.

MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS

Composure & Decision-Making

  • Shows calmness when under pressure, not panicking in tight defensive zones.
  • Decision-making reflects maturity beyond his age group.

Competitiveness & Resilience

  • Competitive in duels and not afraid of physical confrontations.
  • Willingness to repeatedly engage attackers reflects a resilient mentality.

Leadership & Communication

  • Emerging leader in defensive organization; communicates and organizes teammates effectively.

Game Intelligence

  • Reads forward moves well, anticipates danger and adjusts positioning intelligently.

STRENGTHS

  • Physical presence: Tall, strong and competitive in aerial duels, an asset in defensive and set-piece situations.
  • Defensive fundamentals: Solid tackling technique, interception skills, and positional discipline.
  • Composure on the ball: Calm conditioning in possession and reliability in build-up phases.
  • Consistency at youth and club level: Regular starts and minutes in K League 2 evidence trust from coaches.
  • Youth national experience: Participation with South Korea U20 adds international exposure.

WEAKNESSES / DEVELOPMENT AREAS

  • Distribution under pressure: Not yet a dominant passer in high-tempo build-ups against aggressive pressing.
  • Explosive acceleration: Mobility under heavy forward pressure can improve with continued athletic development.
  • Exposure to top-flight competition: Majority experience in K League 2, step up to K League 1 or higher European leagues still needed.
  • Leadership refinement: As a young centre-back, continued growth in vocal leadership and organizational skills is expected as he matures.

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