In recent times, Lee Kang-in's presence on the French Ligue 1 stage has been increasingly significant. On December 14 (Korean time), Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a hard-fought 3-2 away victory over Metz, regaining their top spot in the league, thanks in large part to Lee Kang-in's remarkable performance. Playing the full match and delivering a fantastic assist, his contribution was crucial in securing the team's victory, which we will analyze in depth.
From a tactical viewpoint, coach Luis Enrique utilizes Lee Kang-in's versatility by positioning him as the right winger or attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation. In the match against Metz, Lee Kang-in was dynamic on the right flank. Especially notable was his assist for Gonçalo Ramos' opening goal in the 31st minute, showcasing why his 'golden left foot' is exceptional. In a right corner situation, after exchanging short passes with Quentin Nganyou, he lifted an exquisite left-footed cross from the right of the penalty box, which Ramos headed in to score. This was his second league assist and third in official matches this season, handing the team a crucial lead.
Lee Kang-in's play was not limited to just attacking points. During the match, he recorded 3 shots (1 on target), and 3 key passes, significantly energizing PSG's attack. Notably, his impressive 93% pass success rate and 6 passes into the final third demonstrated his reliability in progressing the attack and delivering the ball into dangerous areas. The stats expert 'Fotmob' awarded Lee Kang-in an 8.2 rating, which was higher than Ramos (7.9), who scored the opening goal; both 'Sofascore' and 'WhoScored.com' also rated him 7.8, acknowledging his outstanding performance. These figures testify to his contribution in both offense and defense.
With key players like Ousmane Dembélé, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi injured, PSG faces a challenging schedule this season. In this situation, Lee Kang-in's full-time participation as the offensive spearhead reflects coach Luis Enrique's deep trust in him. Having started 5 consecutive league matches, he now firmly holds a starting position. Considering he was benched during the UEFA Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao on December 11 (Korean time), it suggests Enrique views him as a crucial league asset, intending to utilize him in important moments.
Local experts continue to praise Lee Kang-in's performances. Walid Acher of 'RMC Sport' expressed admiration, stating, "Honestly, Lee Kang-in seemed featureless in recent years. Now, he looks exceptionally good. These days, Lee Kang-in is definitely different," surprised by his growth. Acher particularly praised Lee Kang-in's "unique left-footed crosses" and his "inside passes" connecting with Ramos. Furthermore, 'Foot Mercato' highlighted his versatility, stating he has been playing roles between midfield and right winger, unafraid to take on opponents and demonstrating excellent ball possession and passing skills. Such evaluations contrast past skeptical views regarding his character (notably by Pierre Ménès in 2023), showcasing how much he has developed at PSG.
With this victory over Metz, PSG recorded 36 points, moving past Lens to claim the league's top spot. Despite a narrow win over the lowest-ranked team, Lee Kang-in's performance amid key injuries provides significant strength to the team. With the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo scheduled for December 18, Lee Kang-in's role is expected to become even more crucial. How his 'golden left foot' might decisively contribute to PSG's trophy ambitions is eagerly anticipated. Lee Kang-in can now be regarded as an essential piece of PSG's tactics, solidifying his position as a key player dominating the right flank.
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