As Japanese defender Hiroki Ito (27) approaches his return from injury, it has been suggested that it is time for Kim Min-jae (28, Munich) to compete for a starting spot again.

German media outlet Bild reported on Nov. 11 (KST) that Ito’s rehabilitation is progressing well. Ito’s return could pose a major threat to other players on the team, according to some analysts. Up to five star players could be pushed out of their positions, the publication said.

Bild mentioned Kim Min-jae, Eric Dier, Dayo Upamecano, Alfonso Davies, and Raphael Guerreiro, and said Ito could compete with them for a starting spot. Ito is left-footed and can play at left center back and left fullback, so he will likely compete for a variety of positions.

The media emphasized that Ito could be the biggest challenger to Kim Min-jae. Ito is a left-footed defender and is likely to play in the left center back position that Kim Min-jae occupies. He has received positive reviews for being more active and making fewer mistakes than Kim Min-jae. Upamecano, on the other hand, will remain relatively safe in his starting position, Bild speculates.

Ito’s return could also affect the positions of Davis and Keheiru on the flanks.

Davis has picked up his form of late, but could come under pressure from competition from Ito, according to Bild. Geheiru will also be competing with Ito for the left fullback position, the organization analyzed.

Dier’s situation will be even more difficult. 토토사이트 Vincent Kompany, who has been in charge of Munich this season, has put more trust in the duo of Kim Min-Jae and Upamecano. The return of Ito will further reduce Dyer’s playing time. “Dyer was already relegated to the bench before Ito’s return,” said Bild. Ito’s return will make Dyer’s spot even smaller,” said Bild.

Ito, a Japan international defender, joined Munich last summer from Stuttgart. He is under contract until 2028 and is reportedly worth up to €28 million ($41.3 million). Born in 1995, Ito is a versatile player who stands at 6-foot-2 and can play as a center back, full back, or defensive midfielder. He also possesses speed of up to 34 km/h and the ability to build up and deliver long passes with his left foot.

Ito has established himself on the German scene, playing for Stuttgart in the 2021-2022 season.

He grew up in Jubilo Iwata, Japan, and arrived in Germany on loan before making the move permanent. Despite a controversy over his forced abortion in July 2022, he made 37 appearances and led Stuttgart’s breakthrough season.

In Munich, Ito formed a close relationship with Kim Min-jae during the preseason and showed good chemistry together. However, he suffered a fractured metatarsal in a practice match in late July and was sidelined. His return is expected in late October, and he could make his Munich debut soon after.

“Ito is showing signs of life in his rehabilitation process,” Bild reported. Ito’s return could make a big difference to the Munich defense.

Leave a comment

이메일 주소는 공개되지 않습니다. 필수 필드는 *로 표시됩니다