“Everyone at PSG fell in love with Lee Kang-in” Not only his skills but also his personality are TOP, ‘Flower Road’ since his debut in France

Although it has been a little over a month since the recruitment official appeared, the local gaze toward ‘Golden Boy’ Lee Kang-in (22, Paris Saint-Germain) is favorable. There is also an evaluation that he has both skills and personality.

European football columnist Romain Molina said on social media on the 13th (Korean time), “Lee Kang-in is recognized by most coaching staff and teammates for his soccer skills and humanity after joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).” said.

On this day, Lee Kang-in played his first league match after his transfer to PSG. He started as a right-sided striker in the opening match of the French Ligue 1 of the 2023-2024 season against Lorient held at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France at 4 am on the 13th.

Lee Kang-in played a total of 82 minutes in this game until he was substituted out in the 37th minute of the second half. Although the team drew 0-0, in a team situation where star players such as Kylian Mbape and Neymar were absent, Lee Kang-in led the team’s attack and performed brilliantly.

Lee Kang-in, who wore a PSG uniform this summer and formed a three-top team with Gonzalo Hamus and Marco Asensio, created many chances from the first half. In the 8th minute of the first half, despite the pressure of the opponent, he connected a pass into the penalty box. He then made several sharp passes, but his teammates failed to score.

In the second half, Lee Kang-in showed a good appearance. In the 2nd minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in took a decisive chance and fired a right-footed shot, but it was hit by the opponent’s defense and went off the net. In addition, he served as a set-piece kicker and provided team chances. Lee Kang-in was substituted out in the 37th minute of the second half and the game ended.

Lee Kang-in did not score on this day, but showed excellent appearance in all aspects. According to football statistics media Foot Mob, Lee Kang-in recorded 84 ball touches, 88% pass success rate, and 67% dribble success rate. He also tried 5 accurate long passes and passed them to his teammates 3 times, with a success rate of 60%. Shooting was 3. Although the cross success rate was only 17%, he added strength in various aspects of the air defense, such as recording one tackle. On this day, Foot Mob gave Lee Kang-in a rating of 7.1. Couch Score, another statistical media outlet, scored 7.3, while Whoscored.com scored 6.9.

In the midst of this activity, Lee Kang-in was also selected as ‘The Player’ by the League 1 Secretariat. The Player is the MVP given to the player who performed the best on the day. Ligue 1 said, “Lee Kang-in and Asensio energized PSG’s attack. They deserve praise. If it had been another day, they might have won.” The team may be disappointed with the game result, but Lee Kang-in will be satisfied with his performance as the first Korean PSG player.”

Lee Kang-in’s transfer from Mallorca, Spain to PSG was confirmed in early July. Lee Kang-in, who became the first Korean player in PSG history, signed a contract until 2028 and wore the number 19 shirt. PSG, which created a void as Messi and others left the team this summer, recruited Asensio and Manuel Ugarte, and Lee Kang-in was also selected by the team to fill Messi’s vacancy.

At the time, Lee Kang-in said in an interview with the club, “I’ve known PSG since I was young. It’s one of the best teams in the world.” He said, “I always want to help the team as much as possible. It will help,” he said. “I’m so happy to join PSG. It’s one of the greatest clubs in the world and they have world-class players. I’m looking forward to starting a new adventure. I want to meet the fans and give them joy.” conveyed his impressions.안전놀이터

It’s been a short time since then, but Lee Kang-in feels like he’s become very close with his fellow players. He is particularly close to Neymar, and when the squad took pictures in front of a private plane before leaving for a tour in Japan, Neymar first talked to Lee Kang-in and joked with him. He also showed off his ‘affection’ by sharing a hug during team training. As a player who has to lead the team in attack, it is good for PSG that Lee Kang-in and Neymar are close. He was also seen talking to Juan Bernat and Manuel Ugarte, as well as Carlos Soler, whom he had been with during his Valencia (Spain) days. New coach Luis Enrique is also from Spain and has no choice but to communicate with Lee Kang-in.

Considering the transfer fee, this could be PSG’s most exciting signing in the market,” said Molina. Lee Kang-in’s transfer fee of 22 million euros (approximately 32 billion won) is a huge amount, which is the 5th largest transfer fee ever for an Asian player, but it is small compared to star players. If such a player is evaluated as a successful recruitment, he has done the best business for PSG. Molina said confidently, “Asian soccer fans will have the same thoughts as me.”