Yang Min-hyeok (18, Queens Park Rangers) made a significant impact in the 'Korean Derby' held in the English Championship (second division) by scoring his debut goal.

Stoke defeated Queens Park Rangers (QPR) 3-1 at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England, on the 39th round of the 2024-2025 season Championship on the 29th (Korea time).

With this victory, Stoke recorded 42 points, placing them 18th in the league. On the other hand, QPR remained in 15th place with 45 points and continued their winless streak in the last six league matches (one draw and five losses).

In this match, Bae Joon-ho started and scored the opening goal, while Yang Min-hyeok came on as a substitute and scored the team's only goal.

Bae Joon-ho started as a left-side forward. In the 21st minute of the first half, he received a pass from Junior Chuma-Deu and shook the net with a brilliant left-footed shot. This was his first goal in about a month, following the match against Middlesbrough on the 26th of last month and his third goal of the season.

Bae Joon-ho recorded his eighth attacking point of the season (three goals and five assists).

After taking the lead with Bae Joon-ho's goal, Stoke went ahead 2-0 just before the end of the first half when Chuma-Deu scored an additional goal.

QPR sought to turn the tide by substituting Yang Min-hyeok right at the start of the second half.

Yang Min-hyeok lived up to expectations. After Stoke added another goal, QPR was trailing 0-3 in the 33rd minute of the second half when he scored a consolation goal. He achieved this with a low left-footed shot from outside the penalty box, marking his debut goal in European competitions. Yang transferred to QPR on loan in January after joining Tottenham Hotspur in December last year.

The two players, who joined the South Korea national team during the international match period, returned to their respective teams to face each other. Although the match ended in a victory for Stoke, both players had impressive performances.

After the match, the football statistics outlet 'FootMob' awarded Bae Joon-ho a score of 8.1, the third highest on his team. He played for 69 minutes, with one goal, two shots, an 83% pass success rate, two chances created, a 75% tackling success rate (3/4), and a 57% success rate in aerial duels (4/7).

Yang Min-hyeok recorded one goal, two shots, an 89% pass success rate, one chance created, and four fouls in 45 minutes, earning a score of 7.2, the highest among QPR players.

Since joining Tottenham, Yang Min-hyeok has been steadily increasing his playing opportunities while playing for QPR. He has shown good performances in every match and is gradually adapting to the English stage.

What is particularly encouraging is that he is getting playing opportunities on both the left wing and the right wing. In fact, it is noteworthy that Yang Min-hyeok scored with his weaker left foot rather than his stronger right foot.

Ultimately, to play on a grand stage, one must minimize weaknesses as much as possible. Yang Min-hyeok, who showcased a sharp right foot in the K League and other transfer stages, has been evaluated as comparatively weaker with his left foot.

In reality, Yang Min-hyeok occasionally attempted to dribble or cross with his left foot, but it was rare to see him take a shot directly. Nevertheless, he proved through this impressive left-footed finish that he is continually growing.

If Yang Min-hyeok can use his left foot with ease, he may become an even more formidable finisher, like South Korea national team and Tottenham teammate Son Heung-min. It is now a point of attention to see how his development will unfold.

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