Why the Saudis are coveting: 'The pace is different' Lee Kang-in's brilliance on the right side...and the team's 'highest rating'
It's definitely different. Lee Kang-In (21, Paris Saint-Germain) impressed in his final preseason game.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) drew 1-1 with Leipzig in a pre-season friendly at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, on Monday (Nov. 11). Leipzig took the lead in the 13th minute through Lois Oppendahl, but PSG equalized in the 25th minute through Gonzalo Hamus.
Lee Kang-In started on the right wing in a 4-3-3 formation. He formed a trio with Ibrahim Mbaye and Randal Kolo Mouani. Marco Asensio-Vitinha-Warren Zairemery formed the back four, while Carlos Soler-Milan Skriniar-Willian Pacho-Yoram Zagh formed the defense. Gianluigi Donnarumma pulled on the goalkeeping gloves.
Leipzig also fielded a number of first-team players. Loic Oppenda-Yusuf Poulsen, Xavi Simons-Nicholas Sierwald-Adou Adara-Elif Elmas, Davit Rahm-Willie Orban-Mohamed Simakan-Lucas Klosterman, and Peter Gulacic started up front.
Lee moved between the center and the flanks, mainly on the right, and he was diligent in his movements, constantly carrying the defense. He was constantly running up and down the defense and working diligently.
When he saw an opportunity, Lee took it, slipping sharp passes into the back of the defense and delivering crosses in front of the goal, most notably a sharp ground-ball cross to the onrushing Kolo Moani that almost looked like a goal. It was just a matter of finishing.
He also tried to score himself. Eight minutes into the second half, Lee cut in from the right to the center and fired a left-footed mid-range shot that was saved by the goalkeeper. He played the entirety of the second half on the left side, leading the team's attack.
Soccer stats outlet Sofa Score gave Lee a 7.0 rating, the highest among PSG's starting 11, as he created two chances, completed 93% of his passes (38/41) and won one dribble. He also sent in two crosses, one of which was successful.
This is the second consecutive game that Lee has started and played 72 minutes against Sturmgraz (Austria). He also started and played 72 minutes against Sturmgraz on August 8th. PSG drew 2-2.
On that occasion, Lee showed his talent in a new position. He played as a central midfielder in a 4-4-2 formation alongside Soler. Lee dropped low and was responsible for the buildup play. In effect, he was more of a defensive midfielder.
Despite the unfamiliarity of the position, Lee was Lee, and he played the role of midfield commander well, using his unique ability to break the opposition's pressure and disperse passes. He was also a force to be reckoned with in the tussle and competition.
The highest rated player of the match according to Couch Score was Lee Kang-in (7.6), who was a playmaker with a 96% pass success rate (45/47), one chance created, 100% dribbling success rate (2/2), and 83% long pass success rate (5/6). He also earned a passing grade on defense, winning 83% of his ground ball battles (10/12) and making two tackles.
Lee was able to transition well from defensive to offensive roles. His versatility in preseason should help him stand out in the fierce competition for a starting spot in the upcoming season.
PSG also recently acquired 2004-born João Neves from Benfica, who is one of Portugal's top central midfield prospects and is expected to slot right into the starting defensive midfield at PSG. Desiree Doué is also expected to join him in the attacking second line. Even without Doué, Lee will face competition from Vitinha, Fabian, Zaire Emery, and Ousmane Dembele.
Previously, Lee had received an offer from Saudi Arabia. According to French publication Foot Mercato, a Saudi team wants to make him the highest-paid player in the league. They want to pay him more than Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nasr), who earns €200 million a year.
Of course, this is only the Saudi's wish, as Lee is one of PSG's current and future stars. “PSG have kept the door closed on the sale of Lee,” said Foot Mercato. The player is happy in France and has no strong desire to leave.” Lee will continue to play in a PSG shirt in the 2024-2025 season.
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