Monster’ Kim Min-jae (27, Bayern Munich) is back. He showed his presence in offense and defense, recording the highest rating of both teams.
Munich achieved a 2-1 come-from-behind win over FC Copenhagen in the second leg of the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League (UCL) Group A group stage held at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Denmark, at 4 a.m. on the 4th (Korean time). .
As a result, Munich went on a winning streak following the game against Manchester United (4-3) and took the lead in the group with 6 points (2 wins). At the same time, they succeeded in maintaining an undefeated streak of 36 games in the UCL group stage (33 wins, 3 draws).
On this day, Kim Min-jae formed the central defense team with Dayot Upamecano. Munich used the 4-2-3-1 formation as usual. Harry Kane, Kingsley Coman, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Janae, Jojua Kimmich, Konrad Reimer, Alphonso Davis, Minjae Kim, Dayot Upamecano, Nusair Mazraoui and Sven Ulreich started as starters.
Kim Min-jae has recently become the target of criticism in Germany. Not long ago, he was chosen as the ‘Kaiser (Emperor)’ and received high praise from manager Thomas Tuchel, but he heard bitter criticism after the 2-2 draw against Leipzig on the 1st.
Coach Tuchel said after the game, “There was sloppy defense from each individual,” and “There was absolutely no reason for Kim Min-jae to go one-on-one. Upamecano also gave up space by running out instead of protecting him. It was a completely opposite action to what we actually do. ..” He expressed his dissatisfaction.스포츠토토
Germany and Munich legend Lothar Matthaus made a more blunt point. He said, “Kim Min-jae is not yet as good as we expected. He is a ‘failure factor’ for Bayern.” “It didn’t live up to my expectations,” he said, raising his voice.
A situation in which he continues to receive harsh criticism from the manager who brought him in and the legend of the club. Nevertheless, Kim Min-jae did not waver. He was responsible for Munich’s defense along with Upamecano. The two went beyond the center line and exchanged the ball with their teammates, and sometimes drove the ball themselves and climbed higher than the midfielder to participate in the attack.
Of course, there was also a crisis. Kim Min-jae faced a crisis in the 4th minute of the first half when he allowed space behind Mohamed Yulunusi. However, he quickly caught up and narrowed down his shooting angle well, and fortunately, he did not end up conceding a goal.
From then on, Kim Min-jae’s performance continued. Munich’s defense was vulnerable to counterattacks as it lacked midfield protection, but Kim Min-jae and Upamecano filled each other’s space and blocked the opponent’s attacks. Kim Min-jae showed off his concentration by breaking forward passes several times.
The highlight was the blocking scene that came in the 7th minute of the second half. Kim Min-jae cut off the opponent’s decisive shooting opportunity with a quick prediction inside the box, ran to the side and completely blocked the cross. Kim Min-jae, who performed a one-man show, raised the mood by looking at his colleagues and roaring.
Even in his attacks, Kim Min-jae’s presence remained. He served as a starting point for the attack by throwing long passes to the side. He also helped the attack by hitting the ball to the head with superior air superiority even in set pieces. The reverse conversion pass coming from Kim Min-jae’s toes often became an escape route for Munich’s frustrating attacks.
The first place in ratings also belonged to Minjae Kim. Soccer statistics media ‘Sofa Score’ gave him a rating of 7.7. This is the highest score not only in Munich but also among players from both teams.
On this day, Minjae Kim touched the ball 115 times in 90 minutes, had a pass success rate of 92% (91/99), made 8 successful long passes (12 attempts), created one opportunity, had an aerial duel winning rate of 71% (5/7), and made a clearance. Recorded 5 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 final tackle, and 11 recoveries. The number of clearances, recoveries, interceptions, and long passes completed were all the highest.