It was the perfect ‘False 9’.

PSG Report, a fan-based news platform that mainly delivers news from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), praised Lee Kang-in on the 28th, saying, Lee Kang-in (23, PSG) has perfectly played the role of ‘Fake No. 9’.

PSG defeated Stadren 3-1 in the sixth round of the 2024-2025 season at Parc des Princes on the 28th and maintained its lead in the league.

In this match, PSG played a 4-3-3 formation. Lee Kang-in was assigned a fake No. 9 role by forming an offensive team with Bradley Barcola and Usman Dembele.

Fake No. 9, known as ‘Pols Nine’, refers to a fake striker who does not play a role in the central striker position by comparing it to No. 9, which is the number given to the team’s center forward according to the traditional soccer arrangement method.

The reason why the word fake is attached to this role is that the player in this role is more focused on creating opportunities by going down to the midfield or directly dribbling breakthrough or giving it to the side, rather than aiming for a score in the actual game, although the position is placed in the central striker’s position.

Historically, Francesco Totti and Lionel Messi have performed this role best.

Lee Kang-in played the role in the match. He also aimed to score by connecting the ball from the midfield to the strikers, while playing in a position that was a bit far from the goal.
In addition to one goal, Lee Kang-in, who shook the net himself in the 13th minute of the second half, recorded three shots, a 91% pass success rate (42/46), seven chances creation, four touches in the opponent’s box, two dribbles, 메이저사이트 four final third-regional balls, and 100% mid- to long-range pass success.

PSG Report focused on Lee Kang-in’s performance and praised him, saying, He played the role of a perfect fake No. 9.

Lee Kang-in is a truly versatile player, PSG coach Luis Enrique said after the game. He plays a very important role in the way our team plays. Even if the opponent is behind you, you never lose the ball.
He continued, Lee Kang-in played in the center as a fake No.9. I really appreciate his play. He showed consistency and kept the ball when needed. It was a close game to perfection.