Lee Kang-in’s Spanish fluency wins over Atlético fans as he makes rapid return to form

Lee Kang-in is adapting to Atlético Madrid faster than expected, and his connection with the team extends beyond what he does with the ball. After three league matches, the 25-year-old has one goal and one assist, while Atlético have begun the season with two wins and a draw.

The club entered the season facing questions about its lack of a reliable No. 9 and possible problems with finishing. Diego Simeone has instead used Ademola Lookman in the central striker role, ahead of Julián Alvarez and the injured Alexander Sørloth. Atlético have scored seven goals and conceded three in their opening three league games.

Lee’s playing time has steadily increased. He came on as a substitute in his debut against Málaga, started against Villarreal and played 66 minutes, then played 71 minutes against Sevilla. His vision and dribbling were evident in the combination play he produced with Spain internationals Álex Baena and Pablo Barrios. Their link-up helped create Baena’s opening goal in the fourth minute against Sevilla.

Baena, who scored only twice last season, already has three goals this campaign. Barrios, who missed selection for the World Cup because of injury, has formed an attacking midfield trio with Lee and Baena. Supporters believe Lee could become even more influential if Atlético’s leading striker is Alvarez, Sørloth or Jonathan David, who could arrive on loan from Juventus.

Atlético-focused media have also highlighted Lee’s ability to build relationships at training. He communicates with teammates in fluent Spanish and has helped shape the atmosphere as if he had played with them for years. Fans sometimes mispronounce his name, but the old habit of calling Asian players “Chino” is gradually giving way to “Coreano,” meaning Korean.

Lee joined Atlético from Paris Saint-Germain for 40 million euros, a lower fee than the amounts involved in the departures of Gonçalo Ramos, Bradley Barcola and Randal Kolo Muani. His popularity is visible in Madrid, where Korean fans appear at Atlético matches and merchandise stores, and his shirt is reportedly the club’s best-selling player jersey. Supporters hope he can follow the path of Park Ji-sung at Manchester United and Son Heung-min at Tottenham, while helping Atlético pursue the Champions League title.