Shock: 'Lee Kang-in at peak form' — reason for being on the bench revealed... UK outlet names UCL's all-time 'TOP 5 teams': "Vitinha at the core"

*This content was translated by AI.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has received high praise for rising to the ranks of the greatest teams in UEFA Champions League (UCL) history. The same context also explains why Lee Kang-in (25), currently in top form, struggles to secure a firm starting spot.

On the 28th (Korea time), the UK's 'Daily Mail' reported, "Under manager Luis Enrique, PSG has turned its home stadium into a perfect cauldron and boasts the world's best midfielder. The club already belongs among the top five UCL teams of all time."

The outlet added, "A unique atmosphere of assured victory now pervades Paris." This is compared to the aura that emanated from Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, and Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid in the past.

In particular, the analysis suggests this season has evolved one step further than last season's UCL final victory over Inter Milan, stating, "The curtain has risen on a 'dynasty' akin to those built by past Real Madrid or Barcelona sides."

The decision to move away from relying on flashy star players proved to be a masterstroke. The outlet explained, "While the past attacking lineup featuring Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi drew attention, it lacked a fundamental backbone and ultimately failed. In contrast, manager Enrique completely overhauled the squad, creating a sustainable title contender capable of competing over the long term."

At the heart of this tactical perfection lies midfielder Vitinha. The outlet hailed Vitinha as the "world's best current midfielder," praising his ability to maintain elegance even under pressure while perfectly orchestrating the team's tempo and ball possession.

The analysis further noted an attacking triangle led by Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, followed by Déziré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, along with full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, who roam the pitch like wingers and press opponents from all directions.

PSG will host Bayern Munich at Paris's Parc des Princes at 4 a.m. on the 29th for the first leg of the 2025–2026 UCL quarterfinals. The outlet predicted, "If PSG overcomes Munich's power and lifts the trophy, it will achieve back-to-back UCL titles for the first time since Real Madrid eight years ago, leaving an indelible mark on football history."

The outlet also unveiled the all-time top five teams of the Champions League era. The list includes Barcelona from the 2008–2009 season under Pep Guardiola, Manchester United from the 1998–1999 season that achieved a historic treble, Real Madrid from the 2016–2017 season boasting an unparalleled squad, and Real Madrid from the 1999–2000 season featuring Steve McManaman and Raúl.

PSG, the 2024–2025 season champions, was included among them. The outlet praised, "Last season, PSG completely devastated the strong teams of England's Premier League (EPL). It is the closest to total football and the best team in modern soccer."

Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in scored one goal and provided one assist in Ligue 1 Round 31 against Angers on the 26th, leading his team to a 3–0 away victory. Starting as a wide attacker, Lee Kang-in opened the scoring just seven minutes into the first half. After Achraf Hakimi's right-footed shot, which had been part of the attack, struck the goalkeeper and rebounded, Lee Kang-in quickly surged forward, beat the keeper, and calmly finished with his right foot.

This was his third league goal of the season, coming approximately two months after his last goal in Round 21 against Marseille on February 9. Including his goal in the UEFA Super Cup, it marks his fourth official goal of the campaign.

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*This content was translated by AI.