"10 Minutes Was Enough"... Hwang In-beom Makes a Strong First Impression in Porto Debut, Stirring Up a Premier League Giant

[Financial News] Hwang In-beom, the national team midfielder who transferred to FC Porto, one of the heavyweights of Portugal's Primeira Liga, delivered a striking debut against a Premier League powerhouse and lived up to the expectations placed on him.
Porto edged Aston Villa Football Club 2-1 in a preseason friendly held on the 25th at Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal.
Hwang, who finalized his move from Feyenoord Rotterdam in the Netherlands on the 21st, was named to the bench and entered the match in the 37th minute of the second half, replacing Viktor Froholdt while his team was already ahead. It was his first appearance in front of Porto's home fans.
Although he had only about 10 minutes on the pitch, Hwang's trademark press resistance and vision immediately stood out. In the 42nd minute of the second half, he made a run into the right corner, used a clever dribble to shake off a defender and keep possession, then laid the ball back. He then quickly drove into the penalty area and connected with a precise right-footed pass from deep, setting up a dangerous header from teammate Borja Sainz. It was a brilliant sequence of movement and judgment that drew a standing ovation from the home crowd.

After the match, Hwang said through the club, "I am very happy to have made my debut, but I am also a little disappointed that I could not convert a clear scoring chance." He added, "In the next match, I will show a much sharper edge inside the penalty area." He also said, "The atmosphere at Dragão Stadium was truly amazing. Being able to play in a place like this is a great honor as a player."
Local media also praised Hwang's brief but powerful impact. Portuguese outlet A Bola said, "Hwang In-beom, who drew the most attention from fans in this match, fully met expectations despite his short 10-minute appearance," adding that he "showed simple yet efficient touches and proved for himself that his decision-making is very quick." It continued, "Although it did not lead to a goal, the attacking move he showed in the 42nd minute of the second half was enough to raise great expectations among fans. He is a player Porto must keep a close eye on going forward."
With a successful first step behind him, attention is now turning to whether Hwang In-beom can settle in as a key figure in FC Porto's midfield and gain an edge in the upcoming competition for a starting role in the regular season.
[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter