"Lee Kang-in, it will be tough and difficult..." No.7 confidently under pressure: Expected to start for 'Atletico'

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25), who transferred to the Spanish powerhouse Atletico (AT) Madrid, is projected to take on a key role at the heart of the attack from his first season.

Spanish outlet AS, in a special preview feature on Spanish professional football clubs for the 2026–2027 season published on the 14th (Korean time), predicted that Lee Kang-in will secure a starting spot at AT Madrid.

The outlet, forecasting AT Madrid's new-season formation as 4-2-3-1, predicted Julian Alvarez to lead the front line, with Ademola Lookman, Lee Kang-in, and Giuliano Simeone positioned in the second line.

Following that, Morten Hjulmand and Pablo Barrios are expected to form a midfield pairing, while Alejandro Grimaldo, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Marcos Llorente will make up the defensive line, with Jan Oblak guarding each goal.

During his previous stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Lee Kang-in primarily played on the right flank or in central midfield. However, in his AT Madrid debut match against Manchester City (England) on the 9th, he took on a second striker role.

Diego Simeone, AT Madrid's head coach, stated, "Lee Kang-in can play on the wing or as a second striker. Considering his abilities, he can shift positions according to the team's needs," indicating plans to utilize him across various positions.

AS first predicted that Lee Kang-in would stand in the central second line and become the focal point of the team's attack. The outlet added, "Lee Kang-in is expected to bring creativity and a broad perspective to midfield" and "his creativity and individual dribbling ability in the attacking third will bolster the team."

Concerns were also raised that Lee Kang-in will face significant pressure from his first season onward, as he must fill the void left by 'legend' Antoine Griezmann, who has departed. He has also inherited the No. 7 jersey previously worn by Griezmann.

AS stated, "Lee Kang-in must add the creativity that vanished with Griezmann's departure" and added, "Filling the gap of the club's all-time top scorer (212 goals) will be a difficult and challenging task for Lee Kang-in."

Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in is set to travel to France on the 20th at 0:30 AM local time for the final pre-season match against Marseille. Later that day at 4:00 AM, he will make his 'official debut' in the 2026–2026 Spanish La Liga home opener against Malaga.

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*This content was translated by AI.