Yun Il-Lok FC SeoulFC Seoul

AFC Champions League 2017: Toyota Asia Player of the week - Yun Il-Lok's defiance lends respectability for FC Seoul

South Korean outfit FC Seoul are not really enjoying the best of campaigns, domestically or in the continent's premier club competition. They are very close to being knocked out of the AFC Champions League (ACL) after having suffered three back-to-back defeats in Group F. 

After being thumped 5-2 by Urawa Red Diamonds in the second round in Group F, they were desperate to open their point tally against fellow strugglers Western Sydney Wanderers. But the A-League side would have inflicted another huge loss on the South Koreans if not for the performance of Yun Il-Lok, who led Seoul's late charge which meant that they went down on the night after a fight and not with their tails between their legs. 

The left winger pulled two goals back for FC Seoul after Western Sydney Wanderers went 3-0 up and set up a frantic finish, though ultimately his team could not salvage anything from the game. 

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His performance was by far one of the brightest sparks for Hwang Sun-hong's side. The 25-year-old's first goal of the game, to make the score 1-3, showcased his speed of thought and technique. Receiving the ball on the left side of the penalty box, he worked some space for himself and sent in a thumping effort into the roof of the net from an acute angle at the near post, leaving the 'keeper clutching at thin air. 

Yun Il-Lok Toyota

The second goal, which set up a grandstand finish, was a thing of beauty. Getting a pass with his back towards goal which was about 20 yards away, he spun sharply, nutmegging his marker on the turn and sent a low effort into the bottom corner. 

Not only was Il-Luk's shooting impressive, his passing was as well. He completed a total of 56 passes at an accuracy of 91 per cent which is commendable for an attacking player and kept the pressure on the visitors in the second-half. 

Wanderers' defenders found it hard to stop him, as he won almost 84 per cent of his duels with them in addition to helping out defensively, making two interceptions as well. 

While his superlative performance failed to salvage a point for FC Seoul, Yun Il-Luk certainly stood out on the night, making him the Toyota Asia player of the week. 

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