Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson feels that a happy, confident, and content Bae Junho is flourishing at the ideal moment for the Potters as the season heads into its final month.
The South Korea international, who made the move from Daejeon Hana Citizen to join City last summer, has scored three goals in five matches at the bet365 Stadium, including a brilliant finish in Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers.
Junior and Milli connection 🔗
Junho’s first time finish 🎯Tremendous team goal gets the ball rolling. pic.twitter.com/py0IxZ2BKD
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) March 30, 2025
Johansson, the Potters’ number one, has noticed the growing confidence of his 21-year-old teammate, whom he admires for his seamless adaptation to the Championship. In his debut season, Junho even won the Club’s Player of the Year award.
“I think he’s getting more and more confident,” Johansson shared. “He’s a great person, always striving for the best for everyone, and very humble. His English has improved significantly since I first arrived—back then, he could understand but wasn’t as fluent in speaking. Now, he’s coming out of his shell more, always happy and smiling. You can see how much he loves football.”
Johansson empathizes with Junho’s adjustment to England, recalling his own cultural shock when he moved to the country. “I know how difficult it can be,” he said. “I could understand English, but it was still tough for me, so I can only imagine how challenging it must have been for him. What’s great, though, is that he’s come into a fantastic group, and from what I’ve heard, Wouter [Burger] has been incredible with him from day one. He invites him to dinner, supports him, and really helps him settle in.”
Junho’s recent three goals, adding to his five assists this season, have been impressive milestones, and Johansson believes he has the potential to contribute even more in the final stretch of the campaign.
“He has so much ability,” Johansson said. “He’s quick, skillful, and knows how to finish. He also reads the game well. He’s a really good player. His confidence is back, and you can see that on the pitch. He’s taking more shots, getting into good positions, and believes he can score every time.”
Johansson also praised Junho’s presence in the team, saying, “I really like him. He smiles every morning, and while he might not be the loudest, he plays a massive role in our changing room.”
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