It was a fantastic cross that allowed me to properly feel the ‘attack instinct’ of Kim Min-jae (27, Naples). Like a laser, it was quickly and accurately directed at his teammate’s head. It was only natural that the local media gave it the highest rating.

Napoli won 2-1 in an away match in the 29th round of Serie A in the 2022-23 season against US Lecce held at Stadio Via del Mare in Lecce, Italy on the 8th (hereinafter Korean time).

With this victory, Napoli sprinted to the top of the league with 24 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, marking 74 points. The difference between Lazio (55 points) and second place also widened to 19 points. On the other hand, Lecce is in 16th place with 6 wins, 9 draws and 14 losses (27 points).

The Kim Min-jae we knew is back. In fact, after Kim Min-jae went to Korea to play two consecutive A-matches in March, he showed a shaky appearance. He had a hard time making two fatal mistakes in the league return match against AC Milan on the last 3 days. In the field, harsh criticism poured out, saying, “It was better to take a break.” However, because it was Kim Min-jae who had been playing continuously without a break, Korean fans responded that they understood.

However, in the game against Lecce that day, he showed a completely different appearance. Kim Min-jae hardly allowed players and balls to escape behind him. It was literally an ‘iron wall’ itself.

Napoli scored the opening goal in the 18th minute of the first half and succeeded in overpowering the team. Kim Min-jae’s fantasy cross came out here. In the free kick situation, the ball flowed backwards, and Kim Min-jae, who was in the right camp, caught it. Kim Min-jae received a pass after giving it back. Here, Kim Min-jae dribbled vigorously with a defender in front, and then raised a cross with his right foot.

He momentarily rushed towards the ball and crossed non-stop, which was a good move that would not be strange even for a striker. What was even more surprising was the ‘quality’ of Cross. He didn’t go up in a parabolic arc without power. He struck a low trajectory and hit his teammate’s head with precision, like a laser. The four defenders stood in line, but to no avail. It seemed to see the standard of Cross. Giovanni Di Lorenzo jumped up from this cross and headed it, shaking Lecce’s net. It was the moment when Kim Min-jae recorded his 2nd help and 4th attack point (2 goals, 2 assists) this season.

Kim Min-jae, who provided help, completely blocked Lecce’s attacking line throughout the first half. He did not lose both speed and power, and blocked the flow of Lecce’s attacks from time to time.

Napoli, who finished the first half with a 1-0 lead, allowed an equalizer in the 7th minute of the second half. In Lecce’s attack situation, the shot hit the goal post, and a great confusion occurred between the players of both teams. At this time, Di Francesco’s powerful right-footed turning shot split Napoli’s net.

However, the tie situation did not last long. In the 19th minute of the second half, Napoli launched a quick attack, and a cross came from the left. The fact that Lecce defender Antonio Gallo kicked it off led to an own goal. In the end, Napoli was able to laugh with a 2-1 victory after holding a one-goal lead until the end.

The highest rating after the game was also up to Kim Min-jae. WhoScored.com, a soccer statistics site, gave Kim Min-jae the highest rating of 8.2 for both teams. Foot Mob, another statistical media outlet, also scored 8.5 points, the highest among the two teams. Kim Min-jae, who previously received the lowest rating in the match against AC Milan, successfully rebounded perfectly in just one game. 온라인바카라

Now, on the 13th, Kim Min-jae will have a chance to take revenge. AC Milan will play the first leg of the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. Will Kim Min-jae be able to show the class he proved in the Lecce match once again?