Napoli defender and rumoured Tottenham target Kim Min-jae has named for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud as his hardest opponent yet in Serie A since moving to Italy in the summer from Fenerbahce.
Speaking to CalcioMercto, the South Korean international hailed the French international as the most difficult player he has face so far in his first few weeks with Napoli, with Kim playing a big role in the Serie A side’s incredible start to life in the new season.
Napoli went into the international break top of the Italian top-flight as well as their UEFA Champions League group after convincing wins against Liverpool and Rangers, and Kim has been instrumental to this form after the defender opted to sign for the Partenopei despite interest from Tottenham.
The centre-back was a reported target for Antonio Conte’s side this summer, yet whilst the prospect of playing in the Premier League was an alluring one, Napoli moved fast to try and sign Kim as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, with the Asian superstar adapting to Italian football smoothly.
With a reported release clause of £40m, Tottenham could soon move in again for Kim if the defender continues to impress for Napoli, yet Spurs fans might not be best pleased that the centre-back named a former Arsenal cult hero in Giroud as the hardest player he is yet to face in Serie A.
Kim said when asked about his biggest test so far since joining Napoli: “The most difficult opponent so far? Giroud. He has great qualities for a centre-forward as well as a lot of physical strength. To mark him, you need to be focused and hold the position for the entire 90 minutes.”
Tottenham should move for Kim Min-jae if Napoli form continues
With Kim starting all but one game for Napoli this season and bagging an impressive two goals as well as keeping clean sheets against the likes of ACF Fiorentina and Rangers at Ibrox, the 25-year-old has blown many expectations out of the water since moving to Italy, yet should his form continue, Tottenham could soon be back in for the centre-back.
After all, Tottenham could do with an extra defender in the near future, and with Kim seemingly a player who has been on the club’s radar for some time, the South Korean could be a great signing for the north London side, even with his admiration for Giroud.
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