Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) received an evaluation that fell short of expectations despite his dedicated efforts.
The German football media outlet Kicker announced its second-half player ratings for the 2024-2025 season on the 17th (Korean time).
The player rating system ranks Bundesliga players into three tiers: 'World class (WK)', 'International class (IK)', and 'National class (NK).'
Kim Min-jae ranked 6th in the IK tier in the first half ratings but was omitted from the second-half list. His name was not found in any of the three tiers.
While Kim Min-jae struggled to play through injuries, Dayot Upamecano, who often rested on the bench due to injuries, made it to the NK list.
Eric Dier, who was relegated to a backup role behind Kim Min-jae, was also included in the NK institutional sector.
Kicker noted, "Since October, Kim Min-jae's condition deteriorated due to an Achilles injury, and he failed to maintain his class amid competition from Upamecano and Hiroki Ito," explaining the background of his exclusion.
Despite the injuries, Kim Min-jae pressed on in the second half and dedicated himself to the team but did not receive recognition for it.
'TZ' reported, "He continued to play despite left Achilles pain and issues with his right knee, even receiving painkillers to play," making Kim Min-jae's situation widely known.
The situation where fellow defenders were injured had a chain effect on Kim Min-jae.
As defensive players like Upamecano, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito were sidelined due to injuries, Kim Min-jae effectively had to shoulder the defense line alone in the second half. He participated in 27 out of 34 Bundesliga matches and 13 out of 14 UEFA Champions League (UCL) matches. Although he faced extreme physical strain, he quietly played for the team.
However, the feedback he receives is sparse. For Kim Min-jae, this is understandably disheartening. Moreover, reports have emerged that Bayern is planning to sell him next summer.
For now, Kim Min-jae has been included in the Bayern squad for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He traveled to the United States with the team, the battleground. However, he has yet to participate in any matches due to the lingering effects of his injuries.
Meanwhile, several clubs from Europe and the Middle East, including France's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Italy's Serie A, and England's Premier League (EPL), are reportedly eyeing his transfer.
[Photo] Kim Min-jae ©Getty Images (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
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