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2023 selected by global sports media.

British sports media Sports Kida announced on Monday the selection of the top five center backs who have displayed outstanding performances this year. Kim topped the list, beating out prominent competitors such as Manchester City's Hoobeng Diaz, No. 3 Real Madrid's David Alaba, No. 4 Arsenal's William Saliba, and No. 5 Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk.

The media said, "The days when center backs were just defending are gone. In modern soccer, center backs require technical skills, ball-keeping skills, and tactical understanding of the game," and selected Kim Min-jae as the best center back of the year. The media added, "As modern center backs play the role of 'saw wheels' in build-up situations, they should start attacking from the back, show a skillful ball-keeper, accurate passes, and a keen understanding of location selection."

"Kim Min-jae played a remarkable role in Napoli's first Serie A victory in 33 years in the 2022-2024 season. He also displayed his composure and technical skills beyond his physical capabilities. He is widely known as one of the best center backs right now," the media reported. "Kim Min-jae joined Bayern Munich in Germany this summer and has already become a player who cannot be excluded from the starting lineup, and is steadily contributing at a high level. Not only is he excellent at organizing the back line, but he also shows leadership that is greatly helpful to the team."