South Korean football has struggled to shine recently across Europe’s top leagues, and Crickex Affiliate reports that several high-profile players have fallen short of expectations. Lee Kang-in, who started the season strongly at Paris Saint-Germain, has since faded into inconsistency and now finds his spot in the starting lineup increasingly uncertain. Even Son Heung-min, the captain and symbol of Korean football, has faced the embarrassment of being substituted during mid-match intervals—a rare and disheartening occurrence for a winger of his status.

Such performances could have negative ripple effects on South Korea’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, making Kim Min-jae’s rise all the more crucial. The Bayern Munich center-back has earned the trust of the club’s new manager and has become a cornerstone of the starting XI. His stellar performances have brought much-needed stability to Bayern’s defense, directly contributing to their improved results. Kim’s influence has quickly earned him the admiration of fans, silencing the doubts that once labeled him a potential transfer flop when he joined the club.

According to Crickex Affiliate, Bayern secured a vital Champions League win over Benfica on Sunday. Though the scoreline was narrow, the clean sheet was a morale boost for supporters, especially given Bayern’s shaky form in earlier European matches. Kim Min-jae’s commanding presence in the backline stood out, earning praise from teammate Joshua Kimmich, who once again referred to Kim as a “monster” in the best possible sense—a rare and powerful compliment in German football culture.

Kimmich added in his post-match interview, “I’ve always seen Kim as a monster in one-on-one duels—it’s meant in a positive way.” He emphasized how much Kim has improved and how well he has absorbed the manager’s tactical instructions. Kim humbly acknowledged the praise, noting that the “monster” nickname has followed him since his time at Napoli and Fenerbahçe, referring to his strength and relentless style of play. He also shared that Kimmich is a great friend who often gives him courage.

Kim returned the favor with another standout performance, boasting a 78% success rate in duels and limiting Benfica to just one shot on goal—easily handled by keeper Manuel Neuer. Impressively, Kim completed all 113 of his passes, a flawless stat that reflects his composure and vision as a top-class center-back.

In addition to Kimmich’s praise, Bayern’s new manager Vincent Kompany—himself a former elite center-back—has been vocal in his appreciation of Kim’s performances. Kompany’s understanding of the defensive role has made him particularly sensitive to Kim’s contributions. Fellow defender Dayot Upamecano has also spoken highly of Kim, and the duo was even seen celebrating together at Munich’s famous Oktoberfest, highlighting their strong on- and off-pitch chemistry.

In summary, Kim Min-jae has proven himself indispensable at Bayern, earning the trust of his teammates and coach while shutting down critics with consistent performances. Crickex Affiliate believes that in a season where Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min have struggled with form, Kim stands tall as the rock of Korean football in Europe’s elite competitions.