Luciano Spalletti says Kim Min-jae has been the best defender in the league.
Napoli drew 2-2 with Bologna in the 37th round of the 2022-23 Italian Serie A at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna, Italy, at 10:00 p.m. on 28 April.
Napoli scored the first goal. Victor Osimhen capitalised on a mistake by the opposition goalkeeper in the 14th minute. Osimhen also scored nine minutes into the second half. Napoli took a 2-0 lead thanks to Osimhen’s multi-goal performance, but conceded a late goal and an equaliser in the second half to end the match at 2-2.
Kim Min-jae started the match and was substituted in the 78th minute. According to football stats site Futbolmob, Kim made 67 passes (the most on the team), completed five long passes (71 per cent), made one tackle (100 per cent), cleared one, recovered three and won one ground contest (33 per cent). Overall, it was a solid performance. Napoli were unfortunate to concede a goal after Kim Min-Jae was sent off as a substitute.
After the game, Spalletti spoke about Kim in the press conference. Spalletti explained that Kim was feeling discomfort in his calf and that he had to take him off to prevent injury. After explaining the substitution, Spalletti applauded Kim’s performance this season.
“Kim Min-jae is an incredibly strong player,” Spalletti said. I hope he stays and plays for Napoli. When he realises that the ball is close to him, he immediately runs at it. This season, he’s definitely been the best defender in Serie A,” he said.안전놀이터
Indeed, Kim has been a top-class performer beyond Serie A and into European football. He was able to defend both physically and intelligently, and in build-up situations, he became the focal point of the back four with a mix of steady and adventurous passing, sometimes driving the ball forward himself and getting into high positions. He showed all the qualities that a modern centre-back should have.
His performances have led to transfer speculation. He has been strongly linked with Manchester United, and Newcastle United are also reportedly interested in him.
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