"Expectations are high due to his insane potential."

The United Kingdom's TBR Football reported on the 24th (Korea time) that "young player Yang Min-hyeok, who has insane potential and is affiliated with Tottenham, is preparing to join the South Korean national team." It noted, "He joined Tottenham, went on loan to QPR, and is showcasing his potential properly."

South Korea will face Jordan in their 8th group match at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 25th at 8 p.m. Currently, Korea, with 4 wins and 3 draws (15 points), is maintaining 1st place in Group B, but missed an early berth in the finals due to a 1-1 draw against Oman in the 7th match. If they lose to Jordan, they may give up their top spot and change rankings.

The problem is the absence due to injuries. The national team's "playmaker" Lee Kang-in, along with Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) and Jung Seung-hyun (Al Wasl), has all been sidelined due to injuries. In particular, after assisting Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal in the match against Oman, Lee Kang-in was substituted out due to an ankle injury.

The absence of Lee Kang-in, who played as a 'multi-player' covering from defensive midfielder to all other positions, is critical for the national team's strength.

Coach Hong Myung-bo explained, "Fortunately, the examination results indicated that it is not a serious injury, but after discussions with the affiliated teams, we decided to release Lee Kang-in and the other two players from the call-up." He noted that they will not call up additional substitute players and are preparing for the match against Jordan with the existing 25-man roster.

Lee Kang-in's injury signifies that the core of the national team's attack has been lost. Lee has started in six consecutive matches under Coach Hong, playing a key role and leading the attack with his ability to pass and break through pressure. Prior to his entry in the Oman match, the team had not recorded a single shot, which attests to this.

In Lee Kang-in's absence, the responsibility in the midfield shifts to Hwang In-beom (29, Feyenoord). He missed the last match against Oman for injury management and although there is a possibility he may play in the Jordan match, he is not at 100% condition. If Hwang In-beom's performance does not meet expectations while not in peak condition, the team will face greater difficulties in midfield composition. With Lee Kang-in and Baek Seung-ho already sidelined, the pace of ball progression and transitions will inevitably drop significantly.

Lee Kang-in's injury has also diminished the national team's tactical flexibility. He has played key roles in the team's tactics, adapting to positions on the flank, center, and deep lying playmaker. In his absence, Coach Hong may need to consider tactics like placing Park Yong-woo and Won Doo-jae in double pivot roles or shifting Lee Jae-sung one position higher.

If Lee Jae-sung is moved up, it is likely that the flank resources will consist of rookie players like Yang Min-hyeok or Bae Jun-ho. In reality, given the changes in midfield, analyses suggest that they need to alter the offensive plan with different types of cards on the flanks as well.

As a result, there are high expectations for the young players' performances. TBR Football emphasized, "Although Yang Min-hyeok had been somewhat quiet since his loan to Tottenham, his strong performance after moving to QPR has been encouraging, especially considering he is still young and playing without rest during an intercontinental transfer."

TBR Football stated, "Yang Min-hyeok is a player with tremendous potential. He demonstrated that at QPR. Additionally, he is now teaming up again with Son Heung-min in the South Korean national team," adding, "Given the numerous injuries in the South Korean national team, there are great expectations for Yang Min-hyeok's performance."

In fact, Yang Min-hyeok has yet to make a starting appearance for the South Korean national team. TBR Football noted, "With Lee Kang-in, Baek Seung-ho, and Jung Seung-hyun released from the call-up, the likelihood of Yang Min-hyeok's participation has increased. Even if his starting status remains uncertain, there is a strong chance he will come on as a substitute."

The media commented, "Yang Min-hyeok has shown strong determination in the South Korean national team. He has received consecutive evaluations that showcase how outstanding of a player he is. It remains to be seen whether he can display good performances while playing for the South Korean national team."

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