After joining Turkish giants Fenerbahçe at the start of the 2021/22 season, Kim Min-jae took his first steps out of Asian football.
His first campaign in Europe was impressive, immediately becoming an integral player as he started every Turkish Süper Lig fixture when available alongside six full nineties in the Europa League group stage.
As a result, interest was at an all-time high for Kim as he looked to make his long-awaited move to a top-five league.
Everton and Tottenham Hotspur have been long-time admirers of Kim, whilst French side Rennes were reportedly on the brink of signing the South Korean international.
However, Napoli swooped in and hijacked the £20m deal, bringing Kim to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with Champions League football on offer.
Alongside Leo Østigård, Kim is the second centre-back arrival by the Gli Azzurri as they look to replace colossal leader Kalidou Koulibaly.
Kim has been a leading player at all of his previous clubs.
He was signed as a key player for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, leading the club to reclaim and then retain the K-League title.
Transferring to Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League, Kim was integral to the teams second- and third-place campaigns.
His spell in China was where he first attracted reported interest from Everton and Spurs, but Istanbul would be Kim’s first European destination.
Despite just one season at this level with Fenerbahçe, his performances convinced Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti that the South Korean was ready for the big stage.
In this tactical analysis, in the form of a scout report, we will look at Kim Min-jae’s style of play, and whether he can replicate the successes of Chelsea’s new centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
It will also be an analysis to determine whether the defender fits into Napolis tactical approach.
Kim Min-jae Player profile
Kim Min-jae (190cm/6’3”, 78kg/171lbs) is a technically assured, yet defensively solid centre-back.
Primarily right-footed, the South Korean has displayed crisp passing with both feet to retain and progress possession under pressure.
He is positive in possession and is a comfortable ball carrier despite his awkward stature.
Defensively, Kim is physically strong, with a good pace and excellent anticipation.
On the other hand, Kalidou Koulibaly (195cm/6’5”, 89kg/196lbs) is an established player, continually proving his world-class ability over the last five seasons.
Joining Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea for around £35m at the age of 31, Koulibaly will take his incredible ball-playing ability to the Premier League.
Also right-footed, the Senegalese would help Napoli find their attackers with accuracy whilst also being a commanding presence in defence.
The figure above displays Koulibaly and Kim’s heatmaps from the 2021/22 season.
Koulibaly was typically deployed as the left-sided centre-back for Napoli in Spalletti’s commonly used 4-2-3-1.
The Sene
