1 May 2003(Thu)

Although it is much too early to start talking about end-of-season awards, one player is already well on his way to getting the recognition his play deserves.

With eight goals in six games, and two successive hat tricks, Choi Yong Soo is the hottest striker in the J.League right now.

This is the 29-year-old Korean's third season with JEF United Ichihara, and probably his last, according to Korean journalists who say he wants to finish his career in his home country.

Long before Choi came to Japan I admired his qualities in the Korean Olympic team and then the national team.

He is big, strong, single-minded in terms of scoring goals, and a team player through and through. In short, the ideal target man and leader of the line.

Even when his teammates may be struggling, just watch Choi as he fights for every ball and has only one thing on his mind: to find the net.

He is immensely popular, too, with the JEF supporters, who have really taken him to their hearts.

This is no surprise, as Choi gives excellent value for money, especially when compared to other imports.

He is on a lucrative contract, but shows he respects this by giving it his all in every game.

In the air he never gives the defenders a moment's rest, as he looks to head for goal or provide a confident and accurate knock-down to a teammate in the box.

On the ground he is always busy, moving from one side to another in search of the ball and dragging defenders out of position to create space for his colleagues.

I was very disappointed that Choi was not selected in the J.League Best XI at the end of his first goal-filled season, in 2001, or last year, alongside MVP Naohiro Takahara.

Coming into this campaign, the former Anyang LG Cheetahs striker had scored 37 goals in 49 appearances over two seasons.

That impressive goals to games ratio has got even better now, as his eight in six games in 2003 give him a career tally of 45 goals in 55 outings.

They have also helped JEF recover from that uncharacteristic 3-0 defeat at home to Vissel Kobe to move on to 13 points, just two behind the leaders, Kashima Antlers, who have 15 from six games after their late victory away to Gamba Osaka on Tuesday.

If it's true what the Korean reporters say, and that Choi is playing his final season in Japan, he is determined to leave his mark in the best possible way.

ends