The young DPR Korea striker will be one to watch at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
Currently plying his trade with Swiss glamour club FC Basel, Pak Kwang-ryong knows what it takes to taste success.
Starting out with DPR Korean club side Wolmido, Pak was scouted by Swiss outfit FC Wil, gifting the hulking striker his maiden opportunity in Europe.
After a strong run of form, Pak gained the attention of FC Basel, who acquired his services in June 2011.
Pak was able to find the back of the net against English Premier League side West Ham United in the 2011 Uhrencup, before he made his first team debut in FC Basel’s draw with BSC Young Boys later that year.
At this stage, Pak was still eligible to play in the 2011-12 U/19 NextGen Cup. The striker capped of his tournament, with a goal against English giants Tottenham Hotspur.
Following this, Pak received the best possible birthday present when on his 19th birthday he became the first DPR Korean player to play in the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League, coming off the bench in his sides 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
2011-12 would prove pivotal in the young striker’s career as he was a part of the Basel side who took of both the League Championship title and the Swiss Cup.
It will be this experience of winning big time matches that will be crucial to DPR Korea tasting success in Australia.
In 2013, Basel announced the Pak would sign a loan deal with Liechtensteiner club Vaduz in the Swiss Challenge League to gain more experience.
Injuries and player vacancies in the most recent season though have enabled Pak to regain his place in the FC Basel senior squad.
Pak has feature for DPR Korea at international level on 12 occasions with his most notable performance coming in the successful 2012 Challenge Cup campaign where he netter DPR Korea’s two goals in their 2-0 semi-final victory over Palestine.
Despite his age, Pak Kwang-ryong’s experience will be crucial to DPR Korea’s chance at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.
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