Title: 고인물 스트라이커는 미쳤다
Genre: Sports, Comedy, Lighthearted, Troublemaker, Growth, Soccer, Veteran
Plot Summary
[WHY ALWAYS ME?] The Troublemaker on the Field
The protagonist, a striker named Joo Yesu, has been tasked with the impossible mission of winning the World Cup for South Korea. Despite 234 years of relentless effort, it remains a mission that seems unattainable. Now, the protagonist decides to live on his own terms, embracing chaos and doing whatever he wants.
The story follows Joo Yesu’s journey as a wild, unpredictable striker in the World Cup, embracing both his eccentric behavior and his incredible skills.
Personal Review
A True Troublemaker
The protagonist Joo Yesu is the epitome of a troublemaker. He is compared to real-life players like Cassano, Mario Balotelli, Joey Barton, Luis Suárez, Pepe, Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, and Lee Chun-Soo, all of whom are known for their antics on and off the pitch. But Joo Yesu takes it to the next level, claiming that the behaviors of these past “bad boys” were nothing compared to his own outrageousness.
- World Cup Debut: On his debut stage, Joo Yesu performs a celebration where he grabs his coach’s head and shakes it, mimicking the infamous celebrations of players like Cassano.
- Transfer Drama: After joining Barcelona, he publicly declares, “My heart belongs to Barcelona,” only to then claim, “But my heart in Barcelona whispered to me that I should go to Madrid,” before announcing his transfer to Real Madrid.
- Avoiding Defense: When asked to help with defense, he casually goes to rest in the shade.
- Responding to Heckling Fans: If fans jeer at him, he responds by doing Balotelli’s reverse-running celebration.
- Fan Interaction: He even gets involved in violent confrontations with fans who invade the pitch.
This character shows actions that are beyond what a normal footballer would ever do, making him the ultimate troublemaker.
Supporting Characters: Insane Comrades
The protagonist’s teammates also share his wild and eccentric nature, creating hilarious and chaotic interactions throughout the story.
- Funny Situations: For example, they blow up a rotten durian in the protagonist’s car and invite foreigners to eat spicy food on a YouTube broadcast.
- Kooky Chemistry: The unpredictable chemistry between Joo Yesu and his teammates adds to the story’s fun and lighthearted nature.
Dual Personality: A True Troublemaker On and Off the Field
On the field, Joo Yesu is a complete misfit, refusing to train and indulging in his outrageous antics. However, off the field, he is a model professional. He is dedicated to his family, never ignores fans asking for autographs or photos, and even sets an example by paying his taxes correctly, unlike his teammates who are involved in tax evasion. His fans adore him because of this unique duality—he is both a madman and a dedicated, hardworking individual.
Even Non-Football Fans Can Enjoy It
The story is written from the perspective of a player who has been in the game for 234 years, which means even readers with little knowledge of football can easily enjoy it. Unlike typical sports novels, where the protagonist often faces hardships and struggles, this one offers pure fun by focusing on the wild antics of the protagonist in every match. The reactions from teammates and fans are humorous and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for anyone, even those unfamiliar with the sport.
Writing Style: A Work in Progress
As the author is still a beginner with previous works like 58 Chapters, the writing can sometimes feel a bit awkward. Although there are few spelling mistakes, some sentences feel unnatural and end abruptly. However, as the story progresses, the author’s writing improves, and the awkwardness gradually disappears, making the later parts of the novel smoother to read.
Evaluation
Originality ★★★★☆
- The protagonist’s wild behavior and the use of internet memes and modern slang set this story apart from typical sports novels. The focus on humor and irreverence gives the novel a unique and fresh twist.
Immersion ★★★★☆
- The comedic elements and outrageous actions keep readers entertained, even if the actual football-related content isn’t the most intense. The humor and fun interactions will keep you engaged.
Appeal ★★★★☆
- The use of football, memes, and humor makes it appealing to a broad audience. However, readers expecting a serious football narrative might be disappointed by the comedic tone.
Writing Quality ★★★★☆
- The writing style is simple, and while it improves as the story progresses, the author’s development from beginner to more polished writer is evident. It doesn’t detract much from the enjoyment of the story.
Consistency ★★★★★
- The author consistently delivers new chapters on time, with a solid update schedule of daily releases since the story began.
