Next Tottenham star is already demonstrating why he can flourish in Ange Postecoglou's side
It won't be too long until Ange Postecoglou has another attacking option to choose from when it comes to his Tottenham XI. Already having plenty of choice in the final third as things stand, Spurs will welcome Yang Min-hyeok to north London in January.
One of the club's summer additions after making quite a name for himself in his homeland of South Korea with Gangwon FC, Tottenham fans have already managed to get a glimpse of the 18-year-old following his appearance against them for Team K League during the club's pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea. The Gwangju-born star did catch the eye in his 45 minutes of playing time with a lively performance in Spurs' 4-3 victory.
Starting on the left flank and causing Emerson Royal a number of issues with his direct running and trickery, Yang went close to scoring against his future teammates with an effort that went narrowly over Guglielmo Vicario's crossbar. Certainly making an impression on all connected with Spurs during his playing time, Postecoglou was asked about his new signing in his post-match press conference but admitted he was more focused on his own team rather than Yang.
"Yeah, look, you know, there's a game of football tonight. I was focused on our players, so I wasn't really following the opposition players. When he comes in, in January, we'll have plenty of time to look at him," said the Australian.
"I think what's important now is that we've made the announcement and he concentrates on his club football here in Korea, finishes his season strong. He's had an outstanding season so far and then when he gets to us, he'll have plenty of time and plenty of opportunity to show us what he can do and we'll help him with that process."
Since taking his chance against Tottenham at the end of July, Yang has continued to shine for Gangwon in K League. His incredible form for his current club can be seen by the fact that he claimed four successive K League Young Player of the Month awards between April and July, with the starlet even making it a double in July as he got his hands on the K League Player of the Month award for the very first time.
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Continuing to operate from the right flank since changing from the left wing in the middle of May, Yang even played as a centre forward on Sunday as his team lost 2-1 away at Pohang Steelers. The attacker did get his name on the scoresheet with a neat finish at the back post following some good movement to level the scores in the 94th minute, only for Jorge Teixeira to score the winner two minutes later.
Now with nine goals and five assists from 31 appearances in K League this season, Yang is only five goals away from the league's top goalscorer Stefan Mugosa, who has 14 so far. Gangwon currently sit third in the standings and will compete with the rest of the top six for the league title and the AFC Champions League places when the league splits into two following the conclusion of the final two fixtures of the regular season.
Yang's performances for Gangwon saw him earn his first senior call-up to the South Korea squad for September's 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Manager Hong Myung-bo admitted it was an easy decision to reward the youngster with a spot in the senior team.
"I think he has done enough this season to deserve a spot on the national team," said Hong, as reported by The AFC. "I think this was the right time to give him this opportunity.
"A lot of people have high expectations of him, and I hope he can do some good things for us here. And he will have to keep working hard to earn opportunities beyond this upcoming camp."
Yang was an unused substitute for their 3-1 win away at Oman, a game in which Tottenham captain Son Heung-min scored his country's second on the night; but it won't be too long until the teenage sensation steps onto the pitch for the Taeguk Warriors for the very time. Next month's qualifiers against Jordan and Iraq are very much another opportunity on the horizon
The year of 2024 has been a huge one in Yang's young career but it is just the start of things to come. Postecoglou and Spurs will be hoping that is very much is the case as Yang prepares to pull on the white of Tottenham in 2025.
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