Can Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) indeed write a new history?

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will compete for the championship trophy against Inter Milan in the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final, which takes place on June 1 at 4 a.m. (Korea time) at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.

Having already triumphed in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, PSG is aiming for the 'treble.' This is the club's first attempt to win the Champions League. PSG finished as runners-up in 2020 but has yet to win the Champions League.

There are unfortunate forecasts that Lee Kang-in may not participate in the most important match of the season. According to 'WhoScored.com,' Lee Kang-in's name was absent from the predicted starting lineup for PSG's Champions League final. The 4-3-3 formation of PSG likely includes Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, Dou, Luis, Vitinha, Neves, Mendes, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

ESPN also excluded Lee Kang-in from the roster. On the 31st, ESPN announced a selection of '30 players who could impact the Champions League final.' Unfortunately, Lee Kang-in's name was not mentioned anywhere.

ESPN ranked Ousmane Dembélé, Lautaro Martínez, Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Alessandro Bastoni as the top five players. Goalkeepers Gianluigi Donnarumma and Yann Sommer of both teams shared the 11th spot.

In addition to the best XI of both teams, the names of Lee Kang-in's teammates who might come off the bench, such as Warren Zaire-Emery (25th), Gonçalo Ramos (27th), and Lucas Hernández (30th), were mentioned. However, Lee Kang-in's name was found nowhere, indicating that he is not even considered a key bench option.

Even if PSG wins, it could be a bittersweet victory if Lee Kang-in does not play. Lee Kang-in also did not get the chance to participate in PSG's final Ligue 1 match. This season, Lee Kang-in contributed with six goals and five assists to the team's successes but could not celebrate.

Coach Luis Enrique does not seem to trust Lee Kang-in. He was once again excluded from the starting lineup in the Coupe de France final, where a trophy was at stake. Although Lee Kang-in was on the substitute list, he did not play for even a second.

In a match where three goals were scored in the first half leading to a 3-0 win, Coach Luis Enrique did not consider Lee Kang-in while substituting Hernández, Beraudo, Gonçalo Ramos, Mayulu, and Zaire-Emery in the second half. This is why there are rumors about Lee Kang-in's transfer.

Currently, Lee Kang-in is being regarded as the third or fourth option, falling behind core players like Khvicha and bench members like Désiré Doué. He is ranking low not only as a winger but also as a central midfielder. Ultimately, being outperformed in competition is a disappointing situation for Lee Kang-in.

So far, no Korean player has had the record of participating and winning in a UCL final. Park Ji-sung was highly anticipated but had to watch his team win from the bench. In contrast, Son Heung-min started the match yet missed out on lifting the trophy due to a loss against Liverpool.

It remains to be seen if Lee Kang-in can be the first Korean player to simultaneously participate in and win the trophy.

/mcadoo@soen.co.kr

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