Fifa World Cup Trophy

I still remember the first time I watched Lee Kang-in play for Valencia's youth team—there was this immediate recognition that I was witnessing something special. Having followed European football for over fifteen years as both a journalist and former youth scout, I've developed a keen eye for talent that transcends the typical academy product. What struck me about Lee wasn't just his technical ability, which was evident, but his decision-making under pressure that seemed years beyond his age. His journey from South Korea to becoming one of La Liga's most promising midfielders represents precisely the kind of development pathway that European clubs dream about discovering.

When we talk about player development, people often focus solely on the technical aspects, but what truly separates players like Lee from others is their mental game. I've analyzed countless young players throughout my career, and the ones who make it at the highest level invariably possess this unique combination of confidence and humility. Lee's transition from Valencia to Mallorca, and now his burgeoning career at PSG, demonstrates a strategic approach to career development that many young players get wrong. Too many talents rush toward big clubs too early, but Lee understood the value of playing time and progressive challenges. His 21 goal contributions in his final season with Mallorca weren't just numbers—they were statements of readiness for the biggest stage.

Looking at his playing style, what fascinates me most is how he's adapted traditional Korean football virtues to the European game. The technical precision and work ethic that characterize Korean development systems merge beautifully with the tactical sophistication he's acquired in Spain and France. I've had conversations with scouts who believe his left foot is among the top five technically gifted in Ligue 1 currently, and having watched him dismantle defenses with that wand of a foot, I'm inclined to agree. His ability to progress the ball through tight spaces reminds me of a young David Silva, though I'd argue Lee might develop into an even more complete player if his current trajectory continues.

The business side of his career trajectory deserves equal attention. His transfer to PSG for approximately €22 million represents one of the smarter pieces of business I've seen in recent years, particularly considering his market value has likely doubled since that move. In today's inflated market, finding players who combine technical excellence with commercial appeal in the Asian market is the holy grail for top clubs, and Lee delivers on both fronts spectacularly. From a purely financial perspective, I'd estimate PSG could command at least €50-60 million if they were to sell him today, though they'd be foolish to consider it given his potential ceiling.

What many casual observers miss about Lee's development is the physical transformation he's undergone since arriving in Europe. When I first saw him play for Valencia's B team, he weighed perhaps 68 kilograms and struggled with the physical demands of senior football. Now, at 72 kilograms of lean muscle, he competes physically with the most demanding midfield opponents while maintaining his agility and technical precision. This kind of targeted physical development separates top European academies from their counterparts elsewhere—they understand precisely how to build athletes without compromising technical qualities.

His performance in last season's Champions League, particularly against Juventus where he completed 47 of 52 passes and created four clear chances, demonstrated his readiness for the highest level. I've noticed how his defensive work rate has improved dramatically under PSG's coaching staff—he's averaging 1.8 more defensive interventions per game this season compared to his final year at Mallorca. These incremental improvements might not make headlines, but they're precisely what turn talented players into indispensable ones at elite clubs.

The cultural adaptation aspect of Lee's journey deserves more attention than it typically receives. Moving from South Korea to Spain as a teenager presents enormous challenges beyond football. From my conversations with players who've undergone similar transitions, the loneliness and cultural dislocation can break even technically gifted players. That Lee not only survived but thrived speaks volumes about his character and support system. His fluency in Spanish and now French demonstrates a commitment to integration that many imported talents never quite manage.

Looking forward, I'm convinced we're watching a future Ballon d'Or contender develop before our eyes, provided he avoids major injuries and continues his current development curve. His partnership with Mbappe at PSG has the potential to become one of European football's most devastating combinations, with Lee's creativity perfectly complementing Mbappe's explosive movement. If I were building a team from scratch today, Lee would be among my first midfield selections, ahead of more established names whose ceilings are clearly lower. The excitement around his development isn't just hype—it's the recognition of a genuinely special talent fulfilling his potential in real time.