"KIM should also shake"... Media announces Kim Min-jae's trip to the bench → Ito's 'perfect rehabilitation'

"KIM should also shake"... Media announces Kim Min-jae's trip to the bench → Ito's 'perfect rehabilitation'

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A new challenge comes to Kim Min-jae, who has regained his main position under Bangsang Kompany.

German media Bild was the first to mention Kim Min-jae on the 11th (Korea Standard Time), saying several players would tremble due to Ito, who is about to return to injury.

Ito began training to handle the ball in earnest at the Jabenner Strath in Munich on the 7th. He began training about three months after the metatarsal fracture he suffered in the pre-season in July, and began training to participate in the game in earnest.
Ito suffered a metatarsal fracture during a friendly match with FC Duren on July 28. Ito, who started as a back 3 player, was shocked by his foot and fell to the ground in the 18th minute of the first half. Medical staff were immediately dispatched to check Ito's condition, and the bench decided to replace Ito even though it was early. Eventually, Ito was replaced by Adam Aznu in the 20th minute of the first half and left the ground.

As it is a friendly match, it may be a replacement made to not overdo it, but Munich fans could not hide their anxiety that the freshman recruited this summer was injured and replaced in a pre-season friendly.

Initially, Ito is a player classified as a competitor or partner of Kim Min-jae.

Ito, a Japanese defender born in 1999, entered Europe in the summer of 2021 when he left Japan's J League 2 Jubilo Iwata for Stuttgart. He played 2,528 minutes in 31 games in all competitions in the 2021-22 season, overshadowing the European debut season.

Stuttgart, who expressed satisfaction with Ito's performance, made a permanent transfer immediately after the end of the season. Since then, Ito has grown to become the top defender of the Bundesliga every season.
Ito, who played 3,191 minutes in 37 matches last season, was also reduced in the 2023-24 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Qatar Asian Cup, but played 2,502 minutes in 29 games, taking charge of Stuttgart's defense.

Thanks to Ito's performance, Stuttgart ranked second in the Bundesliga this season, and successfully advanced to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 14 years. It also finished the season in second place by defeating Bundesliga powerhouse Munich to third place.
Munich took an eye out for Ito's performance and made a complete transfer in June. Munich was the first to announce the signing of Ito in the summer transfer market. With a four-year contract, he was a signal of competition for central defense.

Of course, Ito is a resource capable of not only central defense but also left fullback, so if Alfonso Davis leaves, he could be utilized as a fullback. However, he is Kim Min-jae's strongest competitor so far.

"The next home game of the league, a match against Stuttgart and a Champions League match against Barcelona, could lead to his comeback," Bild said. "However, I am quite positive that Ito will be able to make his debut again at the end of this month. He has shown quite a bit of recovery from his rehabilitation training."
At the same time, Bild chose five players who had to shake in front of Ito who returned, and Kim Min-jae appeared first.

Bild analyzed, "Ito is the most dangerous player for Kim Min-jae. As a left-footed player, Ito is destined to join the position of left center defender Kim Min-jae. In addition, Ito is evaluated as stronger and less likely to make mistakes in games than Kim Min-jae."

Kim Min-jae's partner, Dayo Upamecano, also made the list. Bild said, "Unlike Kim Min-jae, Upamecano is more likely to keep his position in the central defense. Left-footed Ito shows more strength on the left. On the other hand, Bang Sang Kompany praises Upamecano's speed and strength at the start of the game. However, if Upamecano collapses on his own like last season, Ito will pose a threat to him."
Eric Dier, who is currently an out-of-pocket resource, was also included. Bild said, "Because of his lack of speed, he has been reduced to a bench member under Kompany even though Ito is on rehabilitation. As Ito begins to enter the central defensive competition again, it will be more difficult for him to earn playing time," fearing that he will be a completely out-of-pocket resource.

Ito's return is a new threat to fullbacks as well. "Davis has made significant strides in recent years since his poor performance in the last season, and he will continue to be the starting member from the left for the time being. He will be under more pressure to play with it as he can see the center defense as well as the left fullback," Bild said.

The other is multiplayer Rafael Geheiro. Bild said, "Because of his multi-player nature, he's getting chances in multiple positions. But Ito will heat him up. In the left defense, Ito will be the new contender."

Another German media outlet, TZ, predicted that Ito would be a puzzle piece in Munich, which he lacked.

"Ito is ready to strengthen Munich after recovering from injury. His versatility could be a piece of Munich's puzzle that was missing," TZ said. "Ito has made remarkable progress every day after recovering from injury. It brings new dynamics to Munich and can give him many options. He can play both center-back and full-back, which increases competitive pressure on his team members."

At this point, the critical factor is the severity of Upamecano's injury. Upamecano, who suffered a thigh injury in the match against Frankfurt on Sunday, failed to join the French national team led by coach Didier Deschamps, and remained in Munich.

First of all, it is fortunate that the injury was only minor. "Ufamecano is a minor injury and I have confidence that he will recover his physical condition in a timely manner against Stuttgart," said Kerry Howe, a German reporter for Sky Sports. 스포츠토토

If Upamecano fails to return, Ito's early return along with Kim Min-jae or Joao Palinha's use of center back could also be considered.