Um Ji-sung 22 of Swansea City, who made his first move to England last month, scored his first offensive point after moving to England. He assisted his teammate with a superb pass.
Um Ji-sung played as a substitute in the first round match of the English League Cup EFL held at Swansea Dotcom Stadium in Wales on Tuesday, and posted an assist against Gillingham fourth division of England. His team Swansea won 3-1.
Um Ji-sung, dubbed "Gwangju FC crown prince" by coach Lee Jung-hyo 49, moved to Swansea in the English Championship minor league last month. He started in the first round match of the championship on Saturday and made his debut in Swansea. In the second match against Gillingham, he reported his first offensive point with assistance.
Against Gillingham, Swansea had a 2-0 lead. Um Ji-sung was substituted in the 27th minute of the second half. Swansea conceded a goal in the 42nd minute, but won the match by two goals on the back of its third goal in stoppage time.
When scoring, Um Ji-sung made an excellent Cy pass to assist. He trapped a long ball that passed from the right side and connected the ball accurately to his teammate at the door. Abdulai easily pushed Um's pass.
He turned on a blue light to adapt to the English stage. Um Ji-sung came out as a left winger in the match against Middlesbrough on the 10th. He led Swansea's attack with sharp breakthrough and kick. The club has strong trust in him to the point where he is a kicker in charge of set pieces.
Even Swansea manager Luke Williams 43 said on the Welsh BBC that "It was his first time playing in a championship-like game. He has never felt the intensity of pressure and the type of game that he played," adding, "He showed his capability even though he had no experience. There is still a lot of time left for the season. He will undoubtedly improve."
"Walking around at the training site wearing Swansea clothes feels real. I can't wait to train with the players," Um said during an interview with Swansea. "As expected, Swansea has good facilities. As it is my first time, I think it touched my heart even more. I am glad to have the opportunity to play in front of many fans. I hope they can help me adjust to the sport."
Swansea has high expectations on Um Ji-sung. "Many Korean players have succeeded in England including Son Heung-min Tottenham Hotspur, Park Ji-sung former Manchester United, Ki Sung-yueng and Hwang Hee-chan Wolverhampton Wanderers," the Swansea interviewer said. "It was my dream. I was able to come here thanks to my strength," Um said. "I think I will be able to show off my strengths including cross and one-on-one penetration skills and shooting in the face of attack."