Yang Min-hyuk aims to back up Son Heung-min at Tottenham after loan success

Yang Min-hyuk (19), who is on loan from Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in the EFL Championship (second division), provided a chance for an early goal in his second starting match, but expectations for his potential remain high among QPR fans. Some fans hope he will stay with the team for another season. However, Yang Min-hyuk is set to return to Tottenham this summer.

The British outlet 'Football League World' noted on the 4th (Korea time) that "Yang Min-hyuk had the opportunity to start for the second time at QPR. He had an impressive performance. Although he struggled against Sheffield United on the 2nd, he positively contributed to the team's 4-0 victory against Derby County previously, recording his first assist. Some QPR fans argue that they wish he would continue to stay with the team."

Yang Min-hyuk, who recorded his first assist in his starting debut against Derby County, was on the bench for the match against Portsmouth, but public sentiment called for him to start again, leading him to come on in the first half against Sheffield instead of Paul Smith.

His early performance against Sheffield was not good. In the first 10 minutes, while attempting a counterattack, he lost the ball, leading to the team conceding the first goal from a swift opponent's attack. This mistake by Yang Min-hyuk resulted in a direct goal, marking a disappointing moment.

However, Yang Min-hyuk did not let the mistake deter him and showed an active performance in the second half. In the 23rd minute of the first half, he attempted a shot with his left foot after collecting a ball that flowed in front of the box during a corner kick. This was blocked by the goalkeeper. He was substituted for Alfie Lloyd in the 21st minute of the second half.

Despite the mistake, Yang Min-hyuk finished his second starting match without losing confidence.

The British media 'London World' positively evaluated Yang Min-hyuk's performance.

The media analyzed that "Yang Min-hyuk showed outstanding potential. While it is true that he lost the ball leading to a goal, it is difficult to see it as solely his responsibility due to the overall instability of the defense. He created threatening situations for the opponent every time he got the ball. Moreover, if he had received a pass from Morgan, he might have capitalized on a scoring opportunity."

QPR head coach Marti Sipuentes also gave a positive assessment of Yang Min-hyuk. He said, "Yang Min-hyuk is showing good performances and is steadily improving. He left a strong impression in the recent two home games. He also influenced the team while on the bench against Portsmouth. He is a promising young player with great growth potential."

Yang Min-hyuk is scheduled to return to Tottenham after the 2024-2025 season. Tottenham's technical director Johan Lange noted last month on the club's official website that "Yang Min-hyuk and other loaned players are expected to return this summer."

Yang Min-hyuk gained significant attention after winning the Young Player Award while playing for Gangwon FC in the K League in 2023, and he signed with Tottenham in July 2024. After officially joining Tottenham in January this year, he did not immediately seize playing opportunities. Ultimately, he was loaned to QPR on February 29. Coach Ange Postecoglou had foreseen this loan, stating that "as he is still a young player, he needs time to adapt to the high league level," and it has become a reality.

Before Yang Min-hyuk's loan was confirmed, Son Heung-min urged in an exclusive interview with the British media 'Standard' on December 17 that "one should not put pressure on Yang Min-hyuk."

He told Yang Min-hyuk, "The Premier League is never easy. Tough times will come," adding, "To grow into a top-level player, one has to be perfectly prepared in various aspects such as language, culture, physique, and personality." This is not intended to intimidate Yang Min-hyuk but to share the reality based on experience.

Yang Min-hyuk is often referred to as 'the second Son Heung-min' as he plays the same wing forward position.

In response, Son Heung-min said with a smile, "I will help Yang Min-hyuk become a good player, but I have no intention of fully handing over my position. Yang Min-hyuk needs to put in more effort to take my place."

He added, "I must first become a better player."

If Yang Min-hyuk returns from his loan and plays for Tottenham from the 2024-2025 season, he is likely to serve as a backup for Son Heung-min.

Recently, Son Heung-min has been caught up in transfer rumors linked to Bayern Munich, but it seems unlikely he will leave the team this summer. Alasdair Gold, a reporter for the British outlet 'Football London' that covers Tottenham, did not mention Son Heung-min on the expected summer release list.

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