[News Figures] Calm Smile Despite Rough Tackles... Who Is Lee Kang-in, the Youngest Member of the National Team?

On the afternoon of the 28th (local time), the Group H second match between South Korea and Ghana was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage. South Korea's Lee Kang-in is taking a shot. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] '20 minutes vs Uruguay, 40 minutes vs Ghana'

As the South Korean national team prepares for their final group stage match in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the most spotlighted player is Lee Kang-in. Lee Kang-in (Mallorca), who was substituted in during the second half of both the first and second matches in Group H, quickly changed the flow of the game despite his short playing time. He proved his presence by pressuring opponents with fearless dribbling and contributing to scoring with precise passes. Football fans both domestically and internationally are keenly watching whether Lee Kang-in will start in the third match against Portugal on the 3rd.

Immediate shot and assist upon entering... When asked if being a substitute was regrettable, "I have 100% trust in the coach"

Lee Kang-in had a successful World Cup debut on the 24th (local time) at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the match between South Korea and Uruguay. Substituted in for Hwang Ui-jo (Olympiacos) at the 29th minute of the second half, Lee immediately made a shot and played a major role in the right midfield. His penetrating passes and quick dribbling strongly pressured the Uruguayan players in a scoreless 0:0 situation until the second half.

Near the end of the match, when Lee Kang-in attempted a counterattack by penetrating the flank, Federico Valverde (Real Madrid) of Uruguay made a rough tackle that brought Lee down and then threw an uppercut, which became a hot topic. However, despite the provocative behavior of the opposing player, Lee showed composure with a smile.

In the second match against Ghana on the 28th, Lee Kang-in’s performance was even more remarkable. He was substituted in slightly earlier at the 12th minute of the second half compared to the first match, and within just one minute, he delivered a sharp cross that led to Jo Gyu-seong’s header goal. Although the match ended in a 2-3 loss, it was a goal that balanced the flow of the game after South Korea conceded two goals in the first half.

On the afternoon of the 24th (local time), the Group H first match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Uruguay was held at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Lee Kang-in, who was substituted in the second half, is entering the pitch.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Domestic football fans are hopeful that Lee Kang-in will start, rather than be a substitute, in the third match against Portugal at midnight Korean time on the 3rd. The American sports media outlet ESPN predicted that "if Lee Kang-in had played the full 90 minutes against Ghana, the result might have been different," and stated that he should start in the third match. However, in an interview after the Ghana match, when asked by reporters if he wanted to start, Lee humbly replied, "That decision is up to the coach," adding, "I have 100% trust in the coach’s decision and will do my best to help the team if given the opportunity."

'Shootdori' Lee Kang-in leaps to global player status... EPL also showing interest

Born in 2001, Lee Kang-in is the youngest member of the national team at 21 years old this year. However, his career and performance are on par with senior players. At the age of 7 in 2007, Lee was already a well-known football star to the public through the children’s football entertainment program KBS 'Fly Shootdori Season 3.' Despite his young age, he stood out as the team’s ace and showed promise as a football player.

Afterward, Lee Kang-in went through the Incheon United youth team and moved to Spain in 2011 to join Valencia’s youth team, becoming one of the world’s top football prospects. In October 2018, he made his first-team debut in the Spanish King’s Cup Round of 32, setting the record as the youngest foreign debutant in Valencia’s history. In 2019, he also won the Golden Ball (best player) at the U-20 World Cup in Poland. After transferring to Mallorca last year, Lee has established himself as a key player this season in the Spanish La Liga, recording 2 goals and 3 assists in 14 matches.

His performance in this Qatar World Cup has also raised the possibility of entering the English Premier League (EPL). British media HITC reported on the 1st that Newcastle United is the most interested in signing Lee Kang-in. The outlet stated, "Newcastle wants Mallorca playmaker Lee Kang-in and is willing to pay a transfer fee of ?14.5 million (approximately 22.9 billion KRW)."