Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light, though wise men at their end know dark is right, because their words had forked no lightning they, do not go gentle into that good night.
Expectations high on Lee's upcoming 2020-21 season.
Valencia's South Korean international Lee Kang-in, right, celebrates with his teammate after scoring the team's first goal against FC Cartagena at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Sunday. / Courtesy of Valencia CF
By Jhoo Dong-chan
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Lee Kang-in, Valencia's South Korean young gun, received a great deal of attention after boasting of his football talent in a series of recent preseason matches.
Lee doubled in a preseason match against FC Cartagena at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia, Sunday, leading his team's 3-1 victory against the Segunda Division club.
In the 68th minute, Lee pounced on the opposition goalkeeper's clearance mistake to score an equalizer. The 19-year-old midfielder kept the pressure up against FC Cartagena's defenders whenever they had the ball throughout the game.
Lee also hammered home Valencia's winning goal from close range in the 80th minute.
Lee was subbed out in the 86th minute.
“I believe Lee is going to clinch more chances in the upcoming season,” football columnist Park Moon-sung said. “I really feel good about Lee. He will enjoy a really good season.”
Spanish experts agreed.
“Lee is a talented player,” said former Spanish international and Valencia CF legend Gaizka Mendieta. “He will make a difference in Valencia in the upcoming season.”
Valencia CF head coach Javi Gracia also played Lee in all four of the team's preseason matches.
“Gracia also assigned Lee as the team's attacking midfielder in the preseason matches. This is where Lee can make a difference,” football commentator Hwang Duk-yeon said.
“Key players have also left the team. Valencia has no option but to play Lee in the starting lineup next season.”
Last month, Valencia traded Spanish international and Valencia captain Dani Parejo to local rival Villarreal CF. Defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin was also sent to Villarreal along with Parejo.
Valencia's other young gun Ferran Torres also left the team for the Premier League's Manchester City.
Last year, Lee led the South Korean U-20 international team to the FIFA U-20 World Cup final. He won the Golden Ball in the tournament.
Lee was also named the Asian Football Confederation's Asian Young Footballer of the Year.