Lee Kang-in (22, Mallorca) is breaking the prejudices surrounding him ‘showily’. The way to use it in the national team, which was perceived as difficult, can now be expected to be active in any position or role.
Lee Kang-in has been evaluated as a player whose strength is only sharp passing and kicking power. It was evaluated that he was a style that played a key role in the attack through passing mainly from the center of the second line. On the other hand, it has always been pointed out that his speed, activity, and defensive participation are relatively poor. The evaluation that it was difficult to use in the national team was also the result of these weaknesses.
However, looking back on Lee Kang-in’s performance this season, the weaknesses that Lee Kang-in had so far were just prejudice. The goal following a 70-80m solo dribble scored in the counterattack against Getafe last time was a clear scene that showed that Lee Kang-in was never a slow-footed player. Points to his activity or participation in defense are indicated by various defense-related indicators such as 1st place in ground ball contention within the team and 5th place in tackles.
The record of being the first Korean player to accumulate double-digit attack points (6 goals and 4 assists) in the Spanish Primera Liga is also an indicator that Lee Kang-in is not only strong in passing. He is proving himself as a player with scoring ability that does not miss a decisive opportunity. Although the number of assists is relatively small due to the poor decision making of teammates, the indicator that the creation of big chances is the 5th (12 times) in the league means that it has the highest level of passing ability in La Liga.
In addition, the team plays various roles such as central midfielder and flanker. It is very meaningful in that it plays its role no matter where it is placed. For example, in order to properly utilize Lee Kang-in in the national team, he has erased the prejudices of the past, such as the need to reduce the burden of defense by placing him in the center of the second line in the 4-2-3-1 format or changing tactics around Lee Kang-in.
Lee Kang-in’s performance like this is a great boon from the soccer team’s point of view. This is because the possibility of continuing the outstanding skills in La Liga in any position in the national team has increased. At least now, the national team is not at a stage where they have to ‘effortlessly’ find out how to use Lee Kang-in, but they are happy to think about how to use him.
Coincidentally, coach Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) made Lee Kang-in the starter against Uruguay on the 28th of last month, clearly expressing his intention to use him in the future. In the preceding Colombia match, Lee Kang-in was the first joker brought out to change the atmosphere. Andreas Herzog (Austria), head coach of the national team, visited Mallorca on the 2nd and personally watched Lee Kang-in play against Athletic Bilbao. It is the will to constantly check Lee Kang-in’s physical condition and performance. 먹튀검증
In the meantime, Son Heung-min (Tottenham) played an absolute role in the national team’s offense. In the midst of this, Kang-in Lee’s rapid growth can make the attack on Klinsmann more colorful while easing the burden on Son Heung-min. It is a very welcome thing for Klinsmann, who is looking forward to winning the Asian Cup in January next year and going further than the round of 16 in the North and Central America World Cup in 2030.