"It's not like Naples yet." Kim Min-jae's all-time performance is '100% pass success rate + no loss' → humble attitude
"It's not like Naples yet." Kim Min-jae's all-time performance is '100% pass success rate + no loss' → humble attitude
Blog Article
Kim Min-jae performed well, but showed a humble attitude.
Bayern Munich beat Benfica 1-0 in the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase of the 2024-25 season at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, at 5:15 a.m. on the 7th (Korea time).
Munich took the lead first. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Leroy Sane crossed from the right side and dropped it with a Harry Kane head. Jamal Musiala shook the net as he finished with a header. Eventually, the match ended with Munich's 1-0 victory.
On the day, Kim worked with Dayo Upamecano to guard Munich's back. Kim blocked Benfica's attack with aggressive defense. Even in the build-up situation, Kim stably connected the ball to his teammates. Munich finished the game without allowing any runs, and Kim received good reviews.
According to Sofa Score, a soccer statistics media outlet, Kim played full-time, scoring three kicks, one interception, six tackles, one final tackle, six contention on the ground (six attempts), one aerial contest (three attempts), 125 ball touches, 100 percent pass success rate (113 out of 113), and four long balls (four attempts). The score was 8.1 points, the highest among Munich's defense.
Joshua Kimmich gave Kim a compliment. Kimmich said, "Kim and Upamecano make wise decisions in competition situations. This is very helpful. I saw Kim's competition ability like a monster. He also improved his ability to handle the ball."
Kim showed a humble attitude. Kim said, "Kim Mi-hee is a good friend who always encourages me. I feel good when he calls me a monster. I feel confident and comfortable in Munich. But I can improve more. I have not reached the level I showed when I was in Naples."
Kim Min-jae has evenly matched the abilities required of center backs in modern soccer. He was 190 centimeters tall and had the same speed as other strikers. A team that raises the line high like Munich always has to be careful of the back space of defense. Kim Min-jae boasts wide defensive coverage with his fast feet. It is a suitable resource for Munich's tactics. He also has good build-up capabilities. He can build-up regardless of the left and right center backs, and it is good to switch to long kicks.
In Naples, Kim Min-jae was evaluated as a world-class center back. As soon as he moved to Naples, he played as a main center back. As Kim Min-jae kept the rear stable, Napoli was able to freely show aggressive soccer.
Kim Min-jae played an iron wall defense throughout the season and contributed greatly to Scudetto for the first time in 33 years for Napoli. In recognition of his performance, Kim was named Serie A Defensive Player of the Year and Serie A Team of the Year. At the 2023 Ballon d'Or, he ranked 22nd.
Ahead of the last season, Kim Min-jae wore a uniform for Munich. Fierce competition was expected as Munich had Dayo Upamecano and Matthijs de Ligt. Thomas Tuchel chose Kim Min-jae. Kim Min-jae started from the opening game and strengthened his position. While Upamecano and de Ligt were out due to injuries, Kim Min-jae played full time in each game.
However, the situation changed when Eric Dier joined the winter transfer window. Tuchel set up his main center back as Dier and De Licht. The time Kim spent on the bench has become longer. Kim looked disappointed even though he had a chance to play in a long time. He also provided an excuse for allowing two runs in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal match against Real Madrid. Kim's first season in Munich was not satisfactory.
Kim Min-jae aimed to take the lead again this season. Tuchel left and Kompany came. Kompany preferred an aggressive center back, so it was an opportunity for Kim Min-jae. Kim Min-jae received positive reviews by steadily taking chances from the pre-season. 먹튀검증
In the Bundesliga's opening match against Wolfsburg, Kim Min-jae also started. There was a lot of expectation, but Kim Min-jae was the worst performance. During the build-up process, he failed to overcome the opponent's pressure and became the main cause of the loss. Kim Min-jae could not avoid criticism. With a scene of regret from the first game, Kim Min-jae's starting position became dangerous.
However, Kompany said repeatedly, "Kim Min-jae is a reliable player. As if repaying Kompany's trust, Kompany has regained stable performance. If Kim consistently shows the same defense as in this game, he will receive favorable reviews as in the Napoli campaign.