Is Lee Kang-in better than a $134.1 billion + $91.7 billion striker? Enrique’s use of a ‘fake No. 9’ gets a thumbs-up, new tactical options possible
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique’s confidence in Lee Kang-in is growing.
According to a report by French outlet RMC Sports on Wednesday (Aug. 13), Enrique is looking to use Lee as a fake No. 9 (zero-top) as a new option for his team. In addition to Lee, Marco Asensio, who is returning from injury, is also reportedly being considered for the fake number nine role.
Lee played as a false nine in the second half of the French Ligue 1 12th round away match against Stade de Reims on Wednesday. He led the attack from the front line between Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, moving left, right, and center. He was up to the task with his trademark ball possession and ability to spray passes. Although he didn’t score an attacking point, he was the lubricant that kept the team’s attack running smoothly.
After the game, Enrique said of Lee: “A good player can play in many positions. He’s one of those players. He surprises me on the training ground. When he has the ball, he rarely loses it. Whoever is in charge of PSG has no choice but to trust him.”
Enrique’s plan to utilize Lee as a fake No. 9 could unsettle the position of his existing strikers. PSG bought two strikers in the summer transfer window. For a whopping €95 million, they brought in Randal Kolo Moani. Gonzalo Higuain, who was initially signed on loan, was sold to Benfica the following summer for a fee of €65 million ($91.7 billion).
PSG only spent €22 million (about $310 million) in Mallorca to acquire Lee. That’s a lot of money, but it’s a lot cheaper than the likes of Kolo Moani and Hammers. Nevertheless, Enrique’s decision to use Lee as a fake number nine could be interpreted as a sign that he values Lee’s skills, regardless of the transfer fee. In fact, Enrique uses him in several positions, including left, right, and center.
He’s not the most physically gifted player, but he’s not on par with Kolo Moani or Hammers in terms of technique. If anything, his ability to possess and connect with the ball is better. Add to that their goalscoring record at PSG, and there’s not much difference between the three. Lee has scored two goals in Ligue 1 and one in the UEFA Champions League. Kolo Moani has three goals in both competitions, and Hammers has two in Ligue 1 alone. With such a disparity, Enrique might be better off using Lee, who is more of a match-winner. 캡틴토토