'Monster Defender' Kim Min-jae, Full-time in 15 consecutive Games

He played full time as soon as he returned to his team, Bayern Munich. As a result, the controversy over Kim Min-jae's "harsh death" is expected to continue for the time being.

Kim Min-jae started in the 12th round of the 2023-2024 German professional football Bundesliga against Cologne at Reinergie Stadion in Cologne, Germany, on the 25th and played full time.

In the game, Kim Min-jae collapsed during the game. In the 14th minute of the first half, he jumped while fighting for the ball with Cologne players, but he fell to the ground due to the opponent's harsh behavior. Kim Min-jae lay on the ground for a while and complained of pain. Everyone was worried that it might be a big injury. He touched his back and complained of pain, but he got up immediately and walked around the ground.

Kim Min-jae attempted 123 passes, the most in the game, but boasted a high success rate of 95.1%. Three interceptions and two clearouts completely blocked Cologne's attack. He also received a 7.5 rating from the soccer statistics site "Footmob." "Huscoord Dotcom" gave Kim Min-jae a 7.3 rating.

Kim Min-jae returned to his team and took responsibility for the defense without fail after playing in both the second Asian qualifying games for the 2026 North-China World Cup in South Korea on the 16th and China on the 21st.

He was responsible for all the time for 10 consecutive games from the third round of the league, where he wore a new Munich uniform this season. It is also full-time for three consecutive UEFA Champions League games. There is no time to rest due to the injury of key center back Matthijs Dericht. Only Kim Min-jae and Dayo Upamecano are the central defensive resources that Munich can operate. 스포츠토토

Some are concerned about the overload of Kim Min-jae, who is active.

Ahead of the match, Munich coach Thomas Tuchel said, "Kim Min-jae and Davis had a lot of physical burden due to the A match. "We will wait and see to decide on the starting lineup," he said, but eventually took out Kim Min-jae's card.

Meanwhile, Munich defeated Cologne to lead the league. Leverkusen are chasing after them by one point in second place.