Napoli centre back Kim Min-jae produced a piece of defending so brilliant in the 96th minute of Sunday’s 2-1 win over AC Milan, even Paolo Maldini was shocked.
Goals from Matteo Politano and Giovanni Simeone sealed victory for Luciano Spaletti’s side and ended Milan‘s 22-match unbeaten run in Serie A.
They had a chance to equalise in the dying embers however, as a cross made its way towards Brahim Diaz in the box.
Diaz did manage to get his head on it, but behind him was Kim who got a vital boot to it and turned the ball out for a corner.
Kim celebrated the block like a goal as did goalkeeper Alex Meret.
Cameras panned to legendary defender Maldini, who is now Milan’s technical director, in the San Siro stands and he had his hands on his head.
Fans have reacted to the footage and they think it could be one of the best bits of defending they’ll see all season.
One person commented: “The GOAT watching on and giving his approval.”
Another put: “This guy is quality and even Maldini knows it.”
A third tweeted: “Love it when defending gets appreciated like this.”
While someone added: “When Maldini is in awe of defending, everyone else needs to be in awe too!”
The South Korea international spent just one year in Turkey with Fenerbahce before Napoli decided to splash €19 million on his signature.
It’s looking like a major coup going off his performances this season. Kim has scored twice in eight appearances in all competitions, with Napoli still unbeaten.
Tottenham Hotspur were linked with the 25-year-old along with a number of other overseas outfits, but he decided to move to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Kim’s advisor explained: “Inter, Juventus, Tottenham, Rennes and Roma have tried to sign Kim, and many clubs have held meetings on video, but we wanted Kim to be able to play in a good team with a certain continuity, and that team was Napoli.”
Napoli go into the international break top of Serie A, level on points with Atalanta.