Forward Yang Min-hyeok, 19, who is active at Queens Park Rangers (QPR), is receiving positive reviews locally in England.
The British media outlet 'Football.London' noted on the 20th (Korean time), “The players loaned by Tottenham will take responsibility for the club's future upon returning. Yang Min-hyeok, who made his QPR debut in February against Millwall, has since appeared in 4 official matches. In particular, during the match against Derby County on the 15th (4-0 victory), he stood out by recording an impressive first assist,” they evaluated.
Yang Min-hyeok left for QPR on loan from Tottenham on the 30th of last month. It was a decision made to gain match opportunities.
He joined England a month earlier at the request of Tottenham last December. However, he was unable to receive the selection of coach Ange Postecoglou amidst fierce competition and ended up going on loan.
After transferring to QPR, Yang Min-hyeok immediately came on as a substitute in 3 matches. Quickly adapting to the English stage, he started his first match against Derby County and celebrated with his first assist.
'Football.London' explained, “Yang Min-hyeok is a player with quick and solid physicality. He is currently adapting to the English stage and has ample time to prove why Tottenham brought him from the K League.”
The media outlet also analyzed 13 other loaned players, including Will Lancaster (West Bromwich Albion), Bryan Hill (Girona), Alfie Devine (Westerlo), and Alejo Veliz (Espanyol), along with Yang Min-hyeok.
The British outlet 'West London Sport' reported that after the match against Derby County, “The teenage Korean player loaned by Tottenham was quite impressive. Notably, the moment he helped assist Elias Cher's goal after beating the defender on the right side stood out.”
According to 'TBR Football', QPR coach Martí Si Fuente noted right after the Derby County match, “It was time to give Yang Min-hyeok a starting opportunity. He showed good form even in his debut match where he came on as a substitute. While he must adapt to our playing style and the league's pace, he continues to translate the play he has shown in training to matches well. The scene where he assisted the third goal was top-notch.”
Yang Min-hyeok is expected to return to Tottenham this upcoming summer.
Son Heung-min, 33, of Tottenham is cheering for Yang Min-hyeok from afar. Before Yang Min-hyeok's loan was decided, on December 17 of last year, he cautiously urged in an exclusive interview with the British media outlet 'Standard', “Please do not put pressure on Yang Min-hyeok.”
He mentioned Yang Min-hyeok again earlier in August. In an interview with the American sports media 'Men In Blazers', Son Heung-min said, “The Premier League is not at all easy. I want to tell him it will be hard. To grow into a top player, he needs to be fully prepared in areas like language, culture, physique, character, and living alone away from family,” he advised.
It is not intended to scare Yang Min-hyeok. The emphasis is on providing realistic advice based on personal experience.
Son Heung-min indicated that there are “realistic aspects that will help Yang Min-hyeok,” and he remarked, “While he might believe he does well in the K League, young players will always be vying for opportunities here. They will compete for positions.” He also touched on the harsh future Yang Min-hyeok will face.
As the same type of winger, Yang Min-hyeok is often referred to as “the second Son Heung-min.” Son Heung-min smiled and stated, “I will help Yang Min-hyeok become a good player, but I have no intention of fully passing on my position. I won’t let it go easily.” This implies that Yang Min-hyeok must gradually rise based on his abilities.
Nonetheless, Son Heung-min concluded, “I will also work hard. I need to become a better player too.” /jinju217@osen.co.kr
[Photo] Yang Min-hyeok, Son Heung-min ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited)
[OSEN=Reporter No Jin-ju]