Lee Kang-in (23, Paris Saint-Germain)’s “Fake No. 9” worked properly in “Le Clasic.” The defender, who tried to block Lee Kang-in’s dash, made a mistake while trying to kick the ball too hard and scored an own goal. Despite various criticisms, Luis Enrique’s mercenary skills, who used Lee Kang-in as “Fake No. 9,” scored three goals in the first half alone and decided early on.
Lee Kang-in, the “fake No. 9” of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), contributed to the 3-0 victory with a play that induced opposing defender Leonardo Valerdi’s own goal in the 29th minute of the first half in the ninth round of the 2024-2025 French League 1 away game at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France, at 4:45 a.m. on the 28th (Korea time).
Lee Kang-in played as a right wing forward in the 22nd minute of the second half after Bradley Barcola and Warren Lyre-Emery were left out and Desiree Doue and Fabian Lewis were replaced, before being replaced by Seni Mayulu in the 33rd minute of the second half. Lee Kang-in had 56 ball touches in 78 minutes to create one opportunity and a 96% pass success rate (46/48).
In the Le Classique with Marseille, one of France’s top derbies, PSG won the match 3-0 thanks to João Neves’ first goal in the seventh minute of the first half, Valerdi’s own goal in the 29th minute of the first half, and Bradley Barcola’s back-to-back goal in the 40th minute of the first half. PSG had seven wins and two draws (23 points), its only unbeaten No. 1 ranking, beating Marseille’s lead by three points. It had five wins, two draws and two losses (17 points).
The match started to tilt sharply to PSG when Marseille midfielder Amin Harit was sent off at the 20th minute of the first half. When Harit was facing Marquis of PSG, he kicked his chest and received a direct red card. PSG, which was leading Neves’ first goal in the seventh minute of the first half, played an overwhelming game based on its numerical advantage.
In the 29th minute, Achraf Hakimi’s pass after seeing Lee Kang-in led to the second goal. Hakimi’s pass flowed forward from the center to the goal, and Marseille goalkeeper Lully seemed to catch it easily, but defender Valerie stepped in and scored an own goal while trying to force his feet to clear. He made a mistake while trying to check Lee Kang-in’s dash.
Lee Kang-in also played a role in the first goal. Mendes, who received Barcola’s penetration pass, shot from the left side was blocked by the goalkeeper’s punching. João Neves, who participated in the attack, caught the second ball and lightly opened the goal with a right-footed shot. Lee Kang-in’s position, which was seen right next to Neves, also attracted opposing defenders to allow Neves to shoot freely.
Coach Enrique’s “Zero Top” tactic using Lee Kang-in’s “Fake No. 9” created chances for players from various positions to score as center strikers from time to time. If Lee Kang-in falls into the second line of attack with the right wing, right wingers Usman Dembeleena Hakimi and Neves filled the spot and played as strikers, completing the organic team play. 메이저놀이터
It is not the role of the classic central striker No. 9, but a “zero-top” tactic that maximizes the team’s power. The tactic was criticized for drawing 1-1 in the home game of PSV Eindhoven’s UEFA Champions League phase during the week, but Enrique used Lee Kang-in as the “fake No. 9” again. It is based on the judgment that Colomuani and Marco Asensio, who can play as central strikers, are not in good form and that the team’s power is inferior to that of Lee Kang-in.
Luis Enrique’s PSG started Gianluigi Donnarumma, Ashraf Hakimi, Marquignos, William Pacho, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, Warren Zaire Emery, Usman Dembele, Lee Kang-in and Bradley Barcola.
Lee Kang-in scored the opening goal in the league 1 opener, Le Havre (4-1 win), and then scored two consecutive goals in the second round against Montpellier (6-0 win). Following the sixth round against Stade Ren (3-1 win), he also scored a goal in the previous eighth round against Strasbourg (4-2 win) and has four goals in nine league games so far.
Lee Kang-in should also play a key role in the Korean national soccer team led by head coach Hong Myung-bo. Team captain Son Heung-min (32) of Tottenham Hotspur failed to play in an away game against Crystal Palace in the ninth round of the EPL on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, making it uncertain to play the A match in November. Korea will play the fourth match against Kuwait (November 14) and the fifth match against Palestine (November 19) in the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Korea and China.
