There was a good evaluation of Kim Min-jae (28), who is being coached by Bang Sang Kompany (38), who took the helm of Bayern Munich this season.
“The combination of Kim Min-jae and Dayo Upamecano is playing a key role in Kompany’s system,” German media TZ said on the 25th (Korea time), analyzing Munich’s defense team. “Unlike his predecessor Thomas Tuchel, Kompany has built a stable defense combination. He has greatly improved his performance by allowing him to focus on defense without demanding build-ups from Kim Min-jae.” He evaluated that Kompany and Kim Min-jae had good chemistry.
TZ also added, “Coach Kompany is leading the team in a stable manner, giving clear instructions on defense.”
Kim Min-jae contributed to Munich’s 5-0 victory by playing full-time in the fourth round of the Bundesliga against Bremen in the 2023-2024 season at the Bezer Stadion in Bremen, Germany, on the 21st. In this game, he touched 117 balls and recorded a pass success rate of 92% (97 times out of 105). In addition, he showed performances such as 11 passes to the offensive area, two clearings, one header clear, three interceptions, seven defensive actions, and three recoveries, keeping the rear firmly. In particular, he did not make any mistakes, and showed a “perfect defense” by recording 100% tackle success rate (2/2 times), 100% ground ball competition success rate (2/2 times), and 100% air ball competition success rate (5/5 times).
Upamecano, who played the central defense with Kim Min-jae in the same game, also performed well. He showed stable defense with 115 touches of the ball and a 96 percent pass success rate (96 out of 100). He posted six passes in the offensive area, four clearings, two header clearings, four interceptions, 11 defensive actions, and seven recoveries, and like Kim, he has never lost a ball.
However, Upamecano’s success rate for ground ball competition was 40 percent lower than that of Kim Min-jae and 75 percent for air ball competition. Nevertheless, the two players finished the match scoreless. Thanks to their stable defense, Munich’s offense was able to move freely and score five goals.
Kim Min-jae showed strong defense from the beginning of the game. In the 18th minute of the first half, he blocked Bremen’s attack and quickly blocked a dangerous pass, creating an opportunity for counterattack. Although it did not lead to an attack, Kim Min-jae’s judgment stood out as he blocked the opponent’s decisive opportunity in advance. Kim Min-jae, who was actively moving throughout the game, produced a decisive scene, especially in the 37th minute of the second half. With Munich leading 5-0, Bremen’s replacement Kiket Toff tried to get a flying ball, but Kim Min-jae quickly ran in and handled the ball first. Toff could not catch up to Kim, which was actually a defense that blocked the goal. Through this scene, Kim proved once again that he is the core of Munich’s defense.
German media TZ also praised Kim right after the match. “He recovered his confidence and is one of the best center backs in Europe. He did not have any difficulties against Bremen’s strikers Niklas Fülkruk and Kikettoff,” the media reported. “Kim consistently paid attention to block Bremen’s chances to attack,” the media said, praising his concentration. Kim was given a rating of one out of five. In Germany, a rating of one was the highest, reflecting Kim’s perfect performance. 메이저놀이터
