"Lee Kang-in, reduce ball possession time by just one second": Ahn Jung-hwan's old advice resurfaces... Spanish media raise same point

*This content was translated by AI.

"If you could reduce the time you hold the ball by just one second, wouldn't you become an even more global star?"

The advice once given by Korean football legend Ahn Jung-hwan to 'Golden Boy' Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid) is drawing renewed attention. Coincidentally, local Spanish media have also pointed out a similar challenge for Lee Kang-in.

On the 14th (Korea time), Atletico Madrid secured a 3-0 victory in an away match against Real Sociedad at Estadio Municipal de Anoeta in San Sebastian, Spain, in Round 5 of the 2026–2027 La Liga season.

However, the match was far from satisfactory for Lee Kang-in personally. Starting as an attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 formation, Lee led the attack alongside Julian Simeone and Alexander Sørloth but was substituted after playing 60 minutes.

Atletico struggled throughout the first half, ending it goalless. Coach Diego Simeone opted for changes early in the second half, and Lee Kang-in was sent to the bench in the 15th minute of the second period.

On this day, Lee Kang-in touched the ball 34 times. He attempted 22 passes, completing 15 for a success rate of 68%. He created one clear chance. While he won both aerial duels, he failed to generate decisive attacking moments.

After the match, Spain's influential newspaper 'Marca' closely analyzed Lee Kang-in's strengths and weaknesses. Marca stated, "Lee Kang-in's greatest strength has also become his biggest weakness."

The media highlighted Lee Kang-in's exceptional ball control ability. Marca praised him, saying, "There is no ball that Lee Kang-in cannot control technically," adding, "He lowers his center of gravity, touches the ball steadily, and protects it."

However, the newspaper also pointed out areas needing improvement. As Lee Kang-in holds onto the ball for longer periods, it may become difficult to accelerate the team's tempo when quick attacking transitions are required.

Marca noted, "The problem arises in situations where the game tempo needs to be accelerated quickly."

Coincidentally, Ahn Jung-hwan had previously offered nearly identical advice to Lee Kang-in.

On his YouTube channel, Ahn Jung-hwan said, "If this were before the modern era of football, I would have liked Lee Kang-in's style," adding, "I've discussed this with other national team players. It would be great if he could reduce the time he holds the ball by just one second."

He further stated sincerely, "While Lee Kang-in is already performing well now, I dare say that reducing his ball possession time could make him an even more global star."

Ahn Jung-hwan also drew on his own playing experience. He explained, "I was heavily criticized for holding onto the ball during my playing days," and added, "I watched from three steps back as a commentator, witnessing many world-class stars competing in the World Cup."

While various opinions emerged among football fans at the time of Ahn Jung-hwan's remarks, time has passed, and local Spanish media have now presented similar points as development challenges for Lee Kang-in.

Marca also compared Lee Kang-in to 'legend' Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City), who once led Atletico's attack.

The media explained, "For a long time, we have grown accustomed to Griezmann's one-touch passes from a similar position as Lee Kang-in," noting that "Griezmann utilized the runs of players like Julian Simeone and Marcos Llorente with quick-timing passes."

It continued, "Until now, Atletico's new No. 7 has shown clear stability during build-up phases but has not yet demonstrated creating threatening situations through one-touch play," concluding, "This is an area that needs improvement."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.