Even with Keyman Eidale's first multi-goal, coach Kim Do-kyun didn't laugh
Apr 27, 2025
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Before the season, when asked about the player that Seoul E-Land needs to burst to achieve the performance it wants this season, head coach Kim Do-kyun quickly brought up the name of 'John E-Dale'. E-Land struggled with the absence of a striker all last season. Ikova, who was ambitiously recruited, dropped out, and Kim Shin-jin and Jung Jae-min, who were brought in the second half, did not meet expectations. He did well in the promotion playoff against Jeonbuk Hyundai, but it was the front line that distinguished the difference.
Coach Kim put a lot of effort into the strikers in the winter transfer market. It was Eidale, an Australian national team member, who chose it after much consideration. In fact, coach Kim's relationship with Eidale could have been a little faster. E-Land spent Ikova in the transfer market last summer and considered E-Dale as a replacement. Things were not right at the time. Kim once again shot Eidale while putting several players on the list.
Eidale, who started since the opening game, exploded his debut goal in the second round against the Jeonnam Dragons. Since then, he has made a soft landing, operating scoring shots in the match against Samsung in Suwon and Cheonan City. But it wasn't 100%. The explosive power that head coach Kim expected from Eidale did not come out.
Eidale finally lived up to expectations. He scored multiple goals in the ninth round of the 'Hana Bank K League 2 2025' against Gyeongnam FC held at Mokdong Stadium on the 26th. Eidale, who scored the first goal in the third minute of the first half, scored a theater goal in the 48th minute of the second half when the 1-1 draw was likely to be made, becoming the top contributor to the victory. E-Land, which could have subsided with no wins in two games, will continue to compete for the top spot once again with the victory.
Coach Kim did not laugh despite Eidale's strong performance. Coach Kim gave praise and advice at the same time after the game. He added "It's 100 points in terms of scores. It's still not enough to keep up with team play. We need to protect the ball more in the defensive competition. When the ball goes into the striker, the chance comes out only when it is connected and revived. I think we have to develop those parts to become more threatening strikers." It meant that Eidale had to do more to become a better team.
Eidale, who only played in Australia and Europe, emphasized that he is now in a period of adaptation. He said "It's a process that's melting into Korea. I thought it would be difficult to adapt or K League 2, but it is also true that I am struggling more than I thought. Now I feel what kind of stage the K-League is."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
