According to Mundo Deportivo, Lee Kang-in's poor performance with the national team has prompted Korean media to question R. Moreno's tactical approach.
Atlético Madrid is preparing for an official match against Alavés at the Mendizorrotza Stadium. The prolonged international break has affected Atlético's preparations and the fitness of their returning internationals.
Lee Kang-in's situation is particularly concerning. The South Korean player requested to be substituted at halftime during a friendly against Uzbekistan due to ankle discomfort. Atlético still needs to assess his physical condition.
Lee Kang-in hopes to regain the excellent form he showed at Atlético, as his time with the national team has not met expectations. The player had generated significant attention in South Korea, but during this international break, he played only 218 minutes across three matches against Uruguay, Venezuela, and Uzbekistan. His performance fell notably short of the standard he set in his initial appearances for Atlético.
Lee Kang-in concluded the international break with mixed feelings and an underwhelming performance, providing only one assist. South Korean media believe that R. Moreno's tactical setup restricted Lee Kang-in's play, limiting his usual creativity. Although Lee Kang-in played as a right winger, he was not afforded the same freedom he enjoys at Atlético—a point emphasized by Korean media.
Sports Dong-a wrote: "At his club, he plays closer to the goal, attempting shots with his left foot and delivering incisive passes, but these moments are rare with the national team." The outlet also stated: "Assigning Lee Kang-in an attacking role does not automatically translate into goals and assists."
In South Korea, the contrast between Lee Kang-in's performances for the national team and Atlético has drawn attention. Since joining Atlético, he has scored two goals and provided one assist, and has been named Man of the Match twice, in games against Málaga and Osasuna. He also won LaLiga's Goal of the Month award for September and was voted Atlético's Player of the Month by fans for September.
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