The data that shows just how good Kim Min-jae has been this season

On matchday three of the UEFA Champions League, when Raphinha scored his hat-trick goal to make it 4-1 to Barcelona against Bayern Munich - many people were very critical of Bayern’s defense, with both individuals and the set up from Vincent Kompany labeled as subpar.

Since that goal, however, in 664 minutes of action, Bayern have not conceded a goal. Not one. In that time, they have only conceded four big chances. In seven and a bit games. Whilst it is a team effort, the biggest reason for that has been the form of Kim Min-jae.

Looking at just how dominant Kim Min-jae has been this season

The always excellent DataMB have provided the data to show just how good Kim Min-jae has been this season for FC Bayern.

Out of center-backs in the top five leagues, the Bayern defender ranks first for; passes (1108), forward passes (494), and short passes (1066). This is all despite the Bundesliga having the fewest games of any of the leagues so far. There has been one more game-week in the Premier League and Ligue 1, two more in Serie A, and three more in La Liga.

Whilst these numbers, in theory, may not seem like they are relevant to defending – Bayern’s ability to retain the ball helps them defensively. Defending by having the ball. The opposition cannot score if Bayern have the ball.

Furthermore, it is not like he hasn’t been great defensively too. Kim is in the 85th percentile for defensive duel %, and the 77th percentile for aerial duel %, despite not being the tallest central defender out there. His defensive duel % is comfortably ahead of Virgil van Dijk, and his aerial duel % is comfortably ahead of William Saliba.

The defender's superb season was summed up on Tuesday evening against PSG, where he, along with the other defenders who were superb - kept a clean sheet - with the 28-year old scoring the winner to give Bayern all three points.

You will be pretty bored of us mentioning that his minutes must be managed, and whilst it remains true, there is no international break until March now, and there is no mid season Asia Cup this year. With Hiroko Ito nearing a return, hopefully there is more chance of some rest when necessary.