Yang Min-hyeok struggles for minutes at QPR as competition intensifies

Yang Min-hyeok (19) did not play for a single minute after transferring to Queens Park Rangers (QPR). The coach even noted that he had no plans to use him as a fourth option.

On the 15th (Korean time), QPR drew 2-2 with Leeds United in the away match of the 38th round of the 2024-2025 English Championship (2nd division), held at Loftus Road Stadium in London, England.

With this, QPR managed to break a four-game losing streak by drawing with first-place Leeds. However, their ranking remains at 14th with a total of 45 points (11 wins, 12 draws, 15 losses), still far behind 6th place West Bromwich Albion (56 points), which can qualify for the promotion playoffs.

Leeds, who avoided defeat, maintained their first-place position with 80 points (23 wins, 11 draws, 4 losses). However, they allowed Sheffield United (77 points), who have played one less game, to close in.

On this day, Yang Min-hyeok was excluded from the starting lineup. He did not play until the final whistle. Coach Marti Si Fuentes chose Paul Smith as the right winger in the 4-2-3-1 formation instead of Yang Min-hyeok, and selected Japanese forward Saito Goki for the left wing.

QPR got off to a good start. In the 17th minute of the first half, Saito opened the scoring with a wonder goal. He intercepted an opponent's pass miss from the left side of the box and sliced the net with a fantastic right-footed curl.

QPR scored another goal. In the 30th minute of the first half, a cross came in from the right side, and Steve Cook jumped high to finish it with a header. By this point, it seemed like QPR was going to pull off a remarkable performance against Leeds away.

However, Leeds struck back fiercely. In the 40th minute of the first half, Leeds pulled one goal back. With good combination play, they broke down the QPR defense, and a low ground cross came in from the left. As the QPR defense attempted to clear it, it led to an own goal by Morgan Fox.

Leeds eventually returned the game to square one. In the 5th minute of the second half, a cutback pass from the right was deflected by the defense and fell in front of the goal. Manor Solomon's initial shot was blocked by the goalkeeper, but the loose ball was pushed back in by Jaden Bogle to equalize at 2-2.

No further goals were scored. QPR, reduced to 10 players after Saito was sent off for a rough tackle in stoppage time of the second half, managed to hold on during the remaining time. The match ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw.

Yang Min-hyeok did not even step on the grass as a substitute. QPR used all three substitution cards in the second half, but Yang Min-hyeok was sidelined. Coach Si Fuentes brought on midfielders Carrasco Dembele and Nicolas Marsen instead.

After the match, Coach Si Fuentes commented on Goki's red card. He said, "I haven't seen the replay yet. I felt it was a bit harsh. But after talking to the referee, I felt confident. I always fully respect the referee's decision."

In fact, Coach Si Fuentes planned to substitute Goki at the end, but Yang Min-hyeok was not the intended target. He mentioned, "I was planning to take Goki off. But Daniel Beni received a red card, preventing him from coming on. It was very unfortunate," adding, "Goki worked hard in a tough second half. Though there were few chances, he showed his ability with a goal."

Beni, who is of Australian and Hong Kong descent, is an attacking resource capable of playing both winger and striker positions. Born in 2006, he is the same age as Yang Min-hyeok. Their birthdays are only three days apart, with Yang Min-hyeok's being on April 16.

Still a prospect, Beni is far from competing for a starting position at QPR. He has played only 91 minutes in 9 league games this season. Essentially, he is a bench member who cannot be seen as an immediate impact player. However, Coach Si Fuentes was considering trusting Beni instead of Yang Min-hyeok for the crucial moments in the match against Leeds.

In fact, Yang Min-hyeok's absence from the starting lineup was somewhat expected. Until the last round, he had started three consecutive games, indicating a leap to become a regular, but he left regrets due to continued mistakes.

In particular, Yang Min-hyeok played only 45 minutes in the previous match against Middlesbrough and was substituted at halftime. He struggled with possession and provided opportunities that led to goals against, which he could not avoid criticism for. At that time, 'West London Sports' gave Yang Min-hyeok the lowest rating of 5 at QPR, pointing out, "He lost possession multiple times, one of which led to the opponent's opening goal. He was substituted after a terrible performance."

However, it appears that Yang Min-hyeok has practically dropped to the 5th option. With Goki already being a steadfast starter, backup option Smith secured a starting position instead of Yang Min-hyeok, and with Dembele returning from injury, competition has intensified. It would be the worst-case scenario if Coach Si Fuentes prioritizes Beni over Yang Min-hyeok for the next match.

So far, Yang Min-hyeok has consistently received opportunities since joining QPR on loan. In the early stage, he showcased sharp performances, even providing an assist. It seemed that Tottenham's wish for him to gradually adapt to English football in the second division was being fulfilled. Previously, manager Ange Postecoglou stated, "The K League and the Premier League are entirely different levels. Yang Min-hyeok needs a lot of time to adapt," leading to his non-utilization.

If Yang Min-hyeok fails to prove himself at QPR, it will be difficult to secure a spot upon returning to Tottenham next season. Tottenham already has Son Heung-min, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, and Mikey Moore, along with Manor Solomon, who is on loan at Leeds. Reports also suggest they are pursuing the acquisition of Mathys Tel and Tyler Dibbling.

In the end, Yang Min-hyeok has no choice but to seize any opportunity that comes his way again. Although he remained on the bench for this match, it is highly likely he will receive a chance to come on as a substitute soon. He needs to make an impression in the next two matches, where Goki will be unavailable due to his suspension. With no goals yet, scoring his first goal could significantly boost his confidence.

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