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Rangers star backed to ‘show all his talent’ ahead of international clash

Yangel Herrera has praised former Girona teammate Kim Min-Su ahead of South Korea’s friendly clash with Venezuela in Seoul.
ByJack Cranmer
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Rangers midfielder Kim Min-Su will come face-to-face with club teammate Kevin Kelsy when South Korea take on Venezuela in Seoul at midday today.

The international friendly provides an intriguing Rangers subplot, with both players representing their respective countries after becoming teammates at Ibrox.

However, ahead of the meeting, Venezuela midfielder Yangel Herrera has offered an insight into his previous relationship with Kim Min-Su, having played alongside the South Korean during their time at Girona.

Yangel Herrera
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Herrera praises Gers star

Herrera was asked about his experiences of playing in South Korea, having represented Venezuela at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, as well as his memories of playing alongside and against Korean players.

The midfielder recalled his time in the country fondly before turning his attention to Kim Min-Su.

“Min-Su was a young boy who was with us in Girona,” Herrera said.

“I had a good relationship with him. He's a very talented boy, and you could see it from the club.

“He's been sold to Rangers now. He's a very talented boy.

“I hope he continues to grow, and that he continues to show all his talent and potential.”

Kevin Kelsy
Japan v Venezuela - International Friendly | Koji Watanabe/GettyImages

Kelsy and Min-Su shine on international stage

The fixture therefore gives Rangers supporters an opportunity to watch two of the club's players go head-to-head on the international stage.

Kim Min-Su will be hoping to impress on home soil for South Korea, while Kelsy will be looking to make his mark for Venezuela.

The 20-year-old made his South Korea debut in a win over Ecuador, coming off the bench before quickly adding a second cap in a defeat to Uruguay days later.

"It was a dream come true because it was a situation I had always wished for and so even though it was short, it felt wonderful,” he said after the experience before dedicating the achievement to his Grandmother online.

Kelsy, meanwhile, netted in his nation’s last match with Japan, opening the scoring early in the second half before a double from Ayase Ueda, including a winner deep into injury time, sealed the win for the Samurai.

Herrera's comments will be encouraging for Rangers supporters, particularly given his familiarity with Kim from before the defender's move to Scotland.

While the friendly itself will have no competitive significance, the meeting between the two Rangers teammates offers an unusual subplot, with Kim and Kelsy temporarily becoming opponents before returning to club duty at Ibrox.

Herrera's praise also provides an insight into how highly Kim was regarded during his early development at Girona, with the Venezuela international describing him as a talented player even at that stage of his career.

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