This is the time when an opportunity for a reversal can be prepared for Lee Kang-in, who has recently been unstable. Unlike Lee Kang-in, who had been promised enough opportunities from the club ahead of this season, he has not been steadily moderated since the season began. Lee Kang-in’s position also drifted amid the team’s poor performance, the inconsistent mercenary skills of coach Harvey Gracia, and the complex conflict of interests inside the club.
Kang-in Lee’s starting game against Yeclaro was 46 days after La Liga’s 10th round Alaves match on November 23 last year. It was a cup tournament, not a league, and although the opponent was a weak team belonging to the third division, it is expected that for Lee Kang-in, the fact that he started and scored a goal after a long time would be an opportunity to recover his confidence. Lee Kang-in, who played as an offensive midfielder, showed off his sharp passes and game management skills, proving himself why he deserved more opportunities.
Lee Kang-in is highly likely to see more exhibitors for the time being. Valencia’s Primera Liga against Valladolid is ahead of Round 18 on the 11th. In the league, he struggled to win eight games in a row (5 draws and 3 losses), and is in desperate need of victory for Valencia, which remains in 17th place near the relegation zone. Moreover, the fact that Gonzalo Gedes and Kevin Gameiro, who are considered rivals for Lee Kang-in’s position, are unable to enter the game due to their departure and injury, respectively, raising expectations for Lee Kang-in. It was Lee Kang-in who was replaced immediately after Gameiro was injured 26 minutes early in the first half against Cadiz (1-1) on the 5th.
The timing of the increase in the playing time is rather strange with the rumor of Lee Kang-in’s recent transfer. Lee Kang-in played 11 out of 17 league games this season, but only played four times as a starter. The total participation time is 446 minutes, which is only 46.3 minutes in average. It means that even in the matches that I played, I only digested halftime. There were twists and turns when he was diagnosed with corona in November of last year, but Lee Kang-in’s position in the team had not been solid even before that.
It is known that the Valencia club still wants to renew the contract with Lee Kang-in, whose contract ends in June 2022, but Lee Kang-in has not yet responded. Spanish local media predict that Lee Kang-in is highly likely to leave the team even in the transfer market this winter if it remains the same. Like Kang-in Lee last summer, he was a top prospect from Valencia youth, but he is concerned that the same situation could happen with Feran Torres, who left for Manchester City. Unfortunately, one of the clubs where the possibility of recruiting Lee Kang-in is being discussed is also Man City.
It is noteworthy that Lee Kang-in, who was at the crossroads between the uncertain team’s position and renewal of the contract, created a new variable of expanding the playing time anyway. It was a result that was possible because he showed his abilities whenever he was given a chance even in the relatively irregular playing time. Spanish local media are also paying attention to how this change of position could affect the future of Kang-in Lee in Valencia.
However, there seems to be no need to give too much meaning to only the recent temporary change in situation. The increase in the playing time of Lee Kang-in was literally due to the gaps of the leading players, and it was not the tactical change the manager intended to actively utilize Lee Kang-in. It is unclear whether Lee Kang-in will still be able to get the opportunity to participate in the start even after the main players return.
Kang-in Lee still has more reasons to leave Valencia. Most importantly, I am not sure of the vision and future of Valencia, more than where it is right now. Valencia was once a prestigious club representing Spain, but since Peter Lim’s owner system emerged, it has been experiencing a continuing downturn due to poor management and financial pressure. Due to poor grades and conflict with the management team, several directors resigned in disgrace, and the position of current manager Gracia is unstable.
Valencia had no proper power reinforcement compared to the chain departure of the main players in the transfer market this summer, and the result led to a sluggish fall to the relegation zone this season. Lee Kang-in also had a hard time with his football style and Valencia’s team tactics, and was swept away by the conflict between the factions within the team, and the rumors of bullying and discord. It was a difficult environment for Lee Kang-in to focus solely on soccer. The reality that even though it has been three years since he entered the first team in Valencia, he has not been given a steady opportunity, it makes it difficult for him to be optimistic about the future of the team even if he renews the contract.
For Kang-in Lee, the recent increase in participation time should find meaning in that it is an opportunity to leave Valencia as quickly as possible. If a player has lost his performance due to the fact that his team has not steadily participated, its value will inevitably decrease in the transfer market.
However, Lee Kang-in proved that he has enough skills to play in the big leagues through his recent performance. As more and more criticisms of’Why did you not use Kang-in Lee earlier?’, Lee Kang-in will receive more and more attention from clubs, and the person who is chased will be the Valencia club or Gracia manager.
It is only a matter of timing that Kang-in Lee must leave Valencia, and it seems that he can no longer be an object of concern. Lee Kang-in needs to take advantage of this opportunity, which he has come to a long time, in the sense of a’showcase’ that can enhance his value in the winter transfer market rather than as a main battle in Valencia.
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