"Simeone doesn't give the starting spot easily in a first season..." Spanish media praises Lee Kang-in: "With passion and fighting spirit, Madrid fell in love"

*This content was translated by AI.

Local Spanish media have heaped praise on Lee Kang-in (25), who has established himself as a key player for Atletico Madrid.

Spain's 'AS' reported on the 24th (Korean time): "Lee Kang-in has seamlessly integrated into Atletico. He accurately understands coach Diego Simeone's tactics, the club's philosophy, and the fans' preferences."

The outlet explained the transfer process: "Atletico attempted to sign Lee Kang-in last winter but faced opposition from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Ultimately, they secured his services this summer with a base fee of 35 million euros (approximately 5.44 billion won) plus an option clause worth 5 million euros (7.7 billion won)."

The outlet then praised Lee Kang-in's early-season performances. AS stated: "His impact was immediate. Lee Kang-in has appeared in seven La Liga matches and one UEFA Champions League (UCL) game this season. He scored goals against Malaga and Osasuna, added an assist in the match against Sevilla, and currently boasts two goals and one assist." It further noted, "It is highly unusual for a newcomer to secure a starting position from the first month under coach Simeone's regime."

AS cited 'thorough pre-transfer preparation' as the background to Lee Kang-in's success. The outlet praised: "Having already fully adapted to La Liga and the Spanish language based on his experiences at Valencia and Mallorca, Lee Kang-in deeply studied the coaching staff's requirements, training methods, and the team's playing style even before the transfer."

Additionally, the outlet evaluated that while he respects key veteran players like Koke, Jan Oblak, and Marcos Llorente, he has not lost his sense of responsibility as a core player.

The outlet also highlighted achievements in the club's marketing efforts. AS stated: "Lee Kang-in, who signed a contract until 2031, currently has a market value of 28 million euros (approximately 4.35 billion won). With Atletico Seoul's visit last August and the recent victory against Real Madrid, fan appreciation in Korea has reached its peak." It added, "You can easily find Korean fans at their current home stadium, Metropolitano, and at the club's official stores."

Finally, AS praised: "Lee Kang-in, who has longed to join Atletico for four years, displays the ideal player image fans desire with his exceptional skills, passion, and perseverance." It further analyzed that Lee Kang-in's successful Madrid chapter is the result of 'thorough pre-transfer preparation and relentless effort.'

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*This content was translated by AI.