Hakimi and Mendes, two teams in the wind at Paris Saint-Germain

Hakimi and Mendes, two teams in the wind at Paris Saint-Germain

Defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, who were recruited last summer, have revolutionized the centre-back. Paris Saint-Germainwho wants to surf unfettered youth internationals to win the Champions League at the end of May.

Before the shockwaves in Nice on Saturday (9:00 p.m.) in the first division Uber Eats, fans’ hearts vacillate between the left and right track, as two full-backs race to decide which would be the best.

from direction, Nuno Mendes He was one of the most prominent Parisians in the first leg of the 16th round of the European Champions League, which he won over Real Madrid (1-0) on February 15. His impressive performance, on the left wing where his pace was added to that of Kylian Mbappé, impressed the Parc des Princes, not used to seeing backflow so often in recent years.

on the right, Ashraf Hakimi He appears as one of the darlings of the audience, who appreciate his acceleration as much as his complicity with “Kyky” off the field, shown on social networks.

Hakimi and Mbappe, friends “from day one”

With the 19-year-old Portuguese, from Sporting Lisbon, and the 23-year-old Moroccan, appointed from Inter Milan, PSG had a huge success this summer during the transfer window. Finding good full-backs, after the rather notable failures of Alessandro Florenzi, Mitchell Packer, Levin Kurzawa, Colin Dagba or Thelo Kehrer was a priority for the Paris leaders.

The Moroccan-Portuguese tandem is working so well that it appears to be one of the engines likely to lead Paris Saint-Germain to the C1 final, which dreams of a first title. Without them, Paris could suffer, as was the case in Nantes during the 25th day (defeat 3-1), where the two players started as substitutes.

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Among the players, Hakimi has the strongest credentials. He trained at Real Madrid and played 16 matches in the Champions League before joining Paris Saint-Germain. With his powerful style, he easily integrated into the Parisian system of play that focuses on attacking. ” In Paris I feel at home ”, admitted the defender in an interview with the Spanish sports daily Marca, published on February 14.

Best right back in the world Mbappe shouted on Twitter in January, after an African Nations Cup match that saw the Moroccan score from a free kick. ” I handled it well from day one. Age plays a role because we agree on a lot of things to see and do Hakimi explained.

The former Dortmund and Inter player has 3 goals in Ligue 1 Uber Eats (plus 3 assists), but he hasn’t scored since the end of September. Nuno Mendes, still waiting for his counter to open, having already made one pass.

Nuno Mendes wants to “grow up”

He didn’t need to hit the net to get any tighter than the eleven. ” In my head I feel young, I am only 19 years old and I want to grow as much as possible He explained to PSG’s website in mid-January.

mental maturity “,” Stronge fatness “and play” without showing tension “The Paris Saint-Germain coach sees Nuno Mendes” Huge scope for improvement and potential And the player who We only see part of what he can do The person who introduced himself as Timid ‘feel upon arrival’ Closer, every passing day of his teammates.

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The two players managed to stand out, but their role could change in the coming weeks depending on coach Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical choices. Indeed, before coming to Paris Saint-Germain, Hakimi developed like Mendes as “pistons” within a three-man defense, a role that fits perfectly with their offensive profile.

Poche admitted that this option is on the table, but the Argentine technician currently prefers to develop with four behind. In the coming weeks, each of his decisions will be scrutinized, in light of the looming C1. But the name of the two teams that will start will not be up for debate.

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About the Author: Germano Álvares

"Desbravador de cerveja apaixonado. Álcool alcoólico incurável. Geek de bacon. Viciado em web em geral."

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