Who is Lee Kang-in at Paris Saint-Germain without Kylian Mbappe?

Football

Published: 12 Jun. 2024, 15:06

Who is Lee Kang-in at Paris Saint-Germain without Kylian Mbappe?

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, front, celebrates scoring with Kylian Mbappe during a Ligue 1 match against Montpellier at Parc de Prines in Paris, France on Nov. 3, 2023. [XINHUA/YONHAP]

Lee Kang-in will return to Parc des Princes in just a few weeks for his second season with Paris Saint-Germain but will be rejoining a very different lineup — one without Kylian Mbappe.

With PSG all-time top scorer Mbappe announcing on June 3 that he has joined his "dream" club Real Madrid, his former teammates will need to find a way to defend their domestic titles next season without him.

Lee, who joined the Ligue 1 champions ahead of the 2023-24 season, has seen some success on the pitch, establishing himself as a regular midfielder pick and contributing to this year’s three domestic wins — Trophee des Champions, Ligue 1 title and the French Cup — with five goals and five assists across all competitions. Two of those assists set up Mbappe.

But without Mbappe next season, what could Lee’s role look like?

More opportunities on the attack

Lee had two roles this season at PSG — a winger who creates space on his own and a central midfielder who makes effective passes forward.

The 23-year-old played the former role when Mbappe was not on the pitch. Lee's performance in the absence of Mbappe proves he has the potential to be a regular winger pick rather than a central midfielder next season.

Lee’s first goal for PSG, which he scored against Montpellier HSC on Nov. 3 last year, came thanks to the help of Mbappe, with the French forward making quick movements to draw a defender toward him and let the ball slip into the path of Lee, allowing him to smash it into the top corner.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in shoots during a Ligue 1 match against Montpellier at Parc de Prines in Paris, France on Nov. 3, 2023. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

That goal displayed Lee’s finishing skills.

He can also read space quickly. Lee displayed that when he scored a league goal against Montpellier on March 17 after creating space through a one-two with Randal Kolo Muani.

Even when playing as a winger, Lee does not stay on the side but also makes movements inside the penalty area. His third league goal against FC Metz on May 19, which he scored after waiting inside the penalty box for a good pass, is an example.

Lee’s forte could make Enrique consider giving him a more offensive role than merely moving the ball forward as a central midfielder, although that may be contingent on new signings this summer.

Sticking in the center

Lee executed a central midfielder role when Mbappe played as a winger, which was a win-win for both players, as the French forward effectively capitalized on Lee’s passes and through-balls.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, left, celebrates with Kylian Mbappe after scoring his side's first goal during the French Super Cup final against Toulouse at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France on Jan. 3. [AP/YONHAP]

Two of Lee's five assists came from Mbappe, the PSG top scorer.

As Lee is a versatile midfielder with fancy footwork and impressive pass accuracy, Enrique could still put him in the center of the midfield, allowing him to assist fellow PSG forwards like Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos.

The center midfielder role in the 4-3-3 formation that adjusts the pace of build-ups is another job Lee can do well.

Classic No. 10

If Enrique changes the current formation to a 4-2-3-1, he could put Lee in the No. 10 role that controls the flow of the game with ball control and creativity.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, right, vies for the ball with Matthieu Udol during a Ligue 1 match against Metz at Stade Saint-Symphorien in Metz, France on May 19. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

As the No. 10 role offers more freedom to play both in the center and out wide instead of sticking to one side as a winger, Lee's passing skills could prove crucial. His vision and creativity would also make him a good fit for a No. 10 role.

The role would suit him better than a deep-lying playmaker who occasionally makes defensive contributions — areas where Lee does not excel.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]