Changnyeong WFC's first overall 2024 draft pick, Lee Eun‑young, has burst onto the 2025 WK League scene. The forward-turned-defender made 28 appearances, notched 3 goals, and earned the prestigious Best Newcomer award—evidence of thriving youth development and promise for underdog clubs.
📈 Player Profile & Early Career
Lee Eun‑young, born March 31, 2002 in Changwon, plays for Changnyeong WFC as a forward domestically while sometimes deployed as a defender internationally. A youth standout—scoring six goals in one match at the 2016 AFC U‑14 Championship—Lee advanced through Korea University's ranks before being selected first overall in the December 2023 WK League draft.
⚽ 2025 Season Stats & Recognition
- Appearances: 28 (all regular season games)
- Goals: 3 for Changnyeong WFC
- Best Newcomer Award: Secured in December 2024 at the Korean Women's Football Awards
Despite Changnyeong finishing bottom of the 2025 table with only 4 points from 18 matches, Lee's consistent playtime and productivity highlight her importance to the squad.
🧠 Playing Style & Tactical Value
Standing at 174 cm, Lee offers a physical edge, complemented by notable speed and strength. Her versatility—able to perform both as an attacker and defender—bolsters Changnyeong's tactical flexibility. She credits exposure to defensive duties with enhancing her attacking awareness.
🌱 Significance & Broader Implications
Lee's rise reflects positively on youth development within the WK League. For a struggling club like Changnyeong, her emergence brings hope:
- For the club: A young core to build around during rebuilding
- League-wide: A signal that talent can flourish even at lower-tier teams
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