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LoL – Roster Analysis: Nongshim RedForce assembles a powerhouse

After a rather messy offseason, rising team Nongshim Redforce has put together a set of players that can seriously... | 30. November 2021

After a rather messy offseason, rising team Nongshim Redforce has put together a set of players that can seriously cause damage in the LCK. In the 2021 season, Nongshim RedForce narrowly missed out on the chance of going to the world championship. They were knocked out of the worlds qualifying match by Hanwha Life Esports in a clean sweep. People thought they had good pieces that would be worth building upon, but in the end they released their entire roster.

They had recently let go of their entire roster, even the ones with some time left and have traded their last remaining player, Han “Peanut” Wang-ho, to Gen G for Gwak “Bdd” Bo-sung. Bdd comes off of a phenomenal season, and his best international performance to date. He went toe to toe against the current world champion mid laner, Lee “Scout” Ye-chan. He has always been in contention for being the best mid laner in the LCK, and is a great player to build a team around.

The controversial release of former players

In the days following the Bdd announcement, there were also some controversies surrounding the release of their former players, and there were those related to two players from outside the team that they were probably looking to sign. However, as announcements came out soon after, these issues may have been resolved behind the scenes.

Dread

Nongshim RedForce acquired Lee “Dread” Jin-hyeok, who was let go by the Afreeca Freecs. Dread is an aggressive jungler who shines in a skirmish-oriented meta. Dread can secure advantages for his laners through ganking, but he is also an excellent carry jungler. Sometimes, though, he can go a bit too aggressive and can fail to realize his limits.

Effort

The squad has also acquired Lee “Effort” Sang-ho as their support. Effort is a veteran support who has experienced highs and lows in SK Telecom T1 and stayed for while even when they rebranded into just T1. Effort has won three championships with the organization, and is well-known for his mechanics and his roam timings as well. If put on a support that can take control of the map through initiation and great vision placement, Effort can truly shine.

Ghost

The 2020 world champion bottom laner and a world championship finalist in 2021, Jang “Ghost” Yong-jun is no stranger to starting over. Before gaining reputation as a world champion, Ghost used to jump from team to team, never finding much success. Following his departure from Damwon Kia, however, is a new challenge for him as he must try to prove that he is not a weak link for any team that he goes into. However, his strength is being a weak side player, and that is good for the team especially considering Effort likes to roam on the map.

Canna

Nongshim RedForce has also signed Kim “Canna” Chang-dong. Canna is known for his time with T1, where he was one of the main carries of the team. If the squad decides to play towards him, he will usually perform when it counts and will pay back the resources that have been invested in him. While the circumstances of his departure from T1 may not be the best, if he resets and comes back for 2022 in good form, then he will be a great point of power for the team.

This team feels like it is made from the same mold as Damwon of 2020 and 2021 were: mid and jungle would get leads and then transfer them elsewhere, usually to the top lane. Top lane would then be a great side lane threat, but would for sure still be good in a team fight around an objective as well. The question, however, is whether or not the team would fulfill this kind of potential. This is a superteam of sorts, and if this talented set of players does not contend to be a top team in the LCK, then something will surely have to change.