After finally arriving from Gangwon FC in January, Tottenham Hotspur decided that it was best for Yang Min-hyeok to spend the remainder of this season out on loan.
Tottenham opted to send Min-hyeok to Queens Park Rangers in the Championship for six-months, a side who are languishing in midtable.
Of course, the Championship is renowned for being an incredibly tough division, one that requires a certain physicality as well as technical ability.
And whilst 18-year-old Min-hyeok is well equipped in terms of his ability on the ball, six months at QPR should be invaluable in terms of adapting to English football as a whole.
Fortunately for Spurs fans invested in Min-hyeok’s success, the talented young winger has featured in all six of QPR’s league matches since joining on loan.
The South Korean registered his first assist for the club against Derby County last month, and seemingly only enhanced his reputation despite playing in a loss to Sheffield United on Saturday.
Tottenham youngster Yang Min-hyeok hailed for his ‘crazy’ potential
Min-hyeok started at right-wing for QPR and played 66 minutes in their 2-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Sheffield United.
But despite being replaced just after the hour mark, reviews of Min-hyeok’s performance were incredibly encouraging on the whole.
It’s clear that the Tottenham winger still needs to improve in terms of his physicality as mentioned, but London World still hailed Min-hyeok as one of the most exciting players on the pitch.
Handing the winger an 8/10 for his minutes, the outlet also made a bold claim about Min-hyeok’s potential.
They wrote: “The potential here is crazy. Bullied off the ball for the Sheffield United opener, but that goal was not solely his fault with unconvincing defending.
“Looked a threat every time the ball landed at his feet. Would have had his first QPR goal if found by [Kieran] Morgan.”
For balance, West London Sport were a little more reserved, giving Min-hyeok a 6/10, but they also mentioned his ‘lively’ efforts up top.
“Prone to being nudged off the ball, which is understandable given his size and inexperience, and the first goal came after he was robbed.
“He did look lively going forward though.”
Ange Postecoglou already has a tough decision to make with Yang Min-hyeok
Of course, it is interesting to consider what kind of opportunities Min-hyeok will actually have at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
It seems as if Min-hyeok predominantly thrives as a right-winger and Ange Postecoglou already has both Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski in the position.
Wilson Odobert has also returned in fine form from injury and is more than capable of playing on the right, even if he appears best suited as Son Heung-min’s understudy on the left.
It’s a very competitive area of the squad when all are fit, and that’s without even mentioning the likes of Mikey Moore.
Perhaps a season-long loan in the Championship or in Europe could really benefit Min-hyeok, who is still inexperienced at senior level despite his obvious talent.
But there’s seemingly no doubt that the 18-year-old does have the potential to follow in Son’s footsteps in north London.