Discussions
Daehyun pushed back by Kim Min-jae criticized "Defensive line detail lacking + positioning questionable" Lack of sophistication pointed out
Japan is questioning the skills of Kim Min-jae (28-Bayern Munich).
"Is South Korean defender Kim Min-jae overrated?" asked Japan's "The World Magazine" on the 23rd, introducing a recent interview with former Inter Milan defensive legend Giuseppe Bergomi, who gave Kim Min-jae a harsh review.
According to the Italian newspaper Calcio Mercato on the 22nd, Bergomi said, "Kim Min-jae is not suitable for the center back position of the Nerazzurri. He doesn't have the charisma to command the defense. In this position, he will struggle."
"Of course, Kim Min-Jae is a reliable player. He played for Napoli, so he knows Serie A well. But you need different abilities in that position. Inter play a different tactic than Napoli in the back line. I wouldn't choose Kim Min-Jae in the center of the back three, he's more suited to the right back position, but we already have Vincent Pavard and Jan Aurel Bisek," he said.
'The World Magazine' agreed. "Kim Min-jae is a center back with great individual ability, and he was in charge of the last line at Napoli. However, his playing order has been strange in Munich lately. The duo of Eric Dier and Matthijs de Ligt have been prioritized, and Kim's place in the starting lineup is not guaranteed."
"It's a bit harsh, but Kim doesn't look like a player who can lead the final defense well. He is strong in man-to-man defense and impressive in both ground ball and aerial ball competition. However, his detailed defensive line setup and positioning are questionable."
Kim Min-Jae has been left out of the starting lineup for four of the last five games. It started in the 23rd round against Leipzig. Dier-De Ligt started the game and Kim came on in the final minutes of the match, playing around nine minutes. He returned to the starting lineup against Leipzig in Round 24 and picked up his first league assist, but was again left out of the starting lineup for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) match against Lazio. Against Mainz in round 25, he started from the bench and played around 15 minutes before being replaced by Dyer in the second half. He was on the bench again against Darmstadt the previous day.
Meanwhile, Kim Min-jae is part of the South Korea A squad led by interim head coach Hwang Sun-hong for the March A-match period. On March 21, he started and played the full match against Thailand in the third match of the second Asian qualifying round for the FIFA Confederations Cup North America 2026, but the match ended in a 1-1 draw despite South Korea scoring the opening goal.
South Korea will travel to Thailand on June 26 for the fourth match of the tournament. Kim Min-jae will return to Munich after the match. It will be interesting to see if he can regain his starting spot after returning to Munich.