- Ex-England star now in Asia
- Taken a while to find his spark
- Playing with a smile again
WHAT HAPPENED?
Having made his way to South Korea in February, after spending several months as a free agent, Lingard has had to be patient while searching for a spark. Early questions of his form and fitness, with knee surgery required at one stage, did his cause few favours.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Lingard has, however, been a big hit in Asia with a loyal legion of supporters. He is finally giving them something to cheer after opening his goal account for Seoul. That effort from the penalty spot saw the 31-year-old playmaker named in the K-League Team of the Week.
DID YOU KNOW?
FC Seoul have hit a purple patch, with a run of three consecutive victories seeing 10 goals scored and only one conceded. Their latest success came when crushing Jeonbuk 5-1, and Lingard was on hand after that contest to whip the travelling fans into a frenzy.
WHAT NEXT?
Lingard is playing with a smile on his face again, which has not been the case for some time, and should now be feeling more settled. He signed a two-year contract when heading to Korea and remains in the hunt for major silverware this season.