Kim Min-jae
Except for the game in Frankfurt, Bayern have conceded very few league goals during the Hinrunde. They shipped five goals away at Frankfurt. Apart from that solitary defeat, Bayern have conceded only ten goals in the remaining 14 league games. They have kept league-high clean sheets (7) during the Hinrunde. Kim Min-jae has played a key role in making Die Roten solid this season.
The South Korean defender has been a mainstay in the defense ever since arriving from Napoli in the summer. He has played in all 15 Bundesliga games. Kim Min-jae has seamlessly adapted to the Bundesliga, winning 3.2 aerial duels per game. Apart from an odd error here and there, the South Korean defender has been imperious for Bayern.
Along with defending robustly, Kim Min-jae has also been very good on the ball for Bayern. He enjoys a 93% pass accuracy in the Bundesliga. Die Roten have often played out of the trouble due to the 27-year-old defender’s solid passing range. He rounded off a good Hinrunde with a goal in the final home game of the year against VfB Stuttgart.
Bayern will miss Kim Min-jae in January as he is set to play for South Korea in the Asian Cup. He has done a fine job replacing Lucas Hernandez in the squad. Die Roten will hope that he continues to impress in the second half of the season since they need good defensive solidity to achieve their goals for the campaign. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)