Lekhwiya SC of Qatar secured a fine 2017 AFC Champions League victory over Iran’s Esteghlal Khouzestan on Monday, coming back from an early deficit to secure a 2-1 win.
Aloys Nong had given the visitors the lead after just nine minutes, but his goal was simply the cue for a Lekhwiya response—with playmaker Nam Tae-Hee at the heart of everything positive.
Nam himself drew his side level with a wonderful strike from the corner of the area shortly after the half-hour mark before turning provider for teammate Almoez Ali on the verge of half-time.
But what made Nam’s performance so impressive?
Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi handed Nam a free role behind striker Almoez Ali, allowing the Korean to focus on the stronger attacking elements of his game.
The No10 rarely ventured back in defence and was instead allowed to drift around attacking areas seeking pockets of space wherever they may be.
In spite of his central starting role, much of Nam’s better work—including his goal and assist—came after taking up positions in advanced areas on the left flank.
By relieving Nam of defensive responsibility, Belmadi was able to ensure his biggest creative threat was able to perform in areas of the pitch where his talents could make a real difference.
While in the end Lekhwiya will feel the game was relatively comfortable on the night—enjoying 63 percent possession and more than twice as many shots as their opponents (20-8)—it had not been the case.
Indeed, when Esteghlal took their early lead in the encounter, it had threatened to be a very difficult night for the hosts in Doha. But Nam was to change the course of the tie with a moment of individual quality.
Having won the ball back himself, the Korean sprung a fast attacking move into action which culminated in the ball arriving at his feet 20 yards out on the left flank.
With seemingly little happening ahead of him, Nam seized the moment to cut inside and fire a fine shot into the far corner to swing momentum back in favour of Lekhwiya with 60 minutes remaining on the clock.
While Nam was free to roam to find space in which to operate, it was the relentless work of striker Almoez Ali which helped to free up roam between defensive and midfield lines.
Ali’s consistent attempts to provide an option for teammates in the channels using his speed frequently forced Esteghlal’s defensive line to drop deeper, opening gaps for his midfield teammates to perform.
Between Almoez and Nam, the duo contributed over half of Lekhwiya’s 20 efforts on goal and were responsible for creating a combined five opportunities. It was a fine example of a playmaker and striker operating in tandem.
Nam will take the plaudits, but he has his teammate to thank for creating space in which he could operate.
Had he finished better, Almoez could have easily scored a hat-trick and claimed the plaudits for himself.
