Bought for €90 million last summer by Paris Saint-Germain after a more than convincing stint with Eintracht Frankfurt, Randal Kolo Muani (25 years old) is still struggling to justify the heavy investment made by the Parisian upper echelons. Coming off a mixed first season with 12 goals scored and 6 assists in 43 matches in all competitions, the French international (23 caps, 6 goals) was also associated with some departure rumors during the summer. Atlético de Madrid at the top of the list.Atlético Madrid? I didn’t hear them. It didn’t reach my ears. In my circle, it didn’t sink in. I just arrived, I haven’t proven myself yet! It’s up to me to continue working, to be there when the coach calls me like I do here (in the French team, editor’s note). It’ll be fine, I think.“, however assured the main person concerned.
Having struggled since his debut in the French capital, RKM could however take advantage of the context to (finally) stand out. Previously blocked by the presence of Kylian Mbappé, the current number 23 of PSG has, in fact, a good card to play after the injuries of Gonçalo Ramos, affected in the ankle against Le Havre (4-1) during the first day of Ligue 1 and unavailable for three months, and that of Marco Asensio, replaced by the Bondynois Wednesday evening against Girona after having felt pain in the right thigh. “I dropped out of medical school last year, I don’t know exactly what he has. Yes, he got injured. He felt some discomfort and tomorrow (this Thursday) he will have the necessary tests. The doctor and the club will inform you then. He asked for a change. It’s a shame because I think he was at a very high level and it’s a shame because we don’t want players to get injured.”Luis Enrique said on his side at the microphone of Movistar.
A turning point for RKM?
Two tough blows that could therefore allow Kolo Muani to glean precious minutes over the coming weeks and thus regain this necessary confidence. Recently questioned on the trajectory of the 1m87 right-hander, the Parisian technician wanted to be reassuring.I’m always looking for the best version of Kolo Muani, and I think you’re going to see the best version of Kolo Muani. And when he’s at his best, he’s a very high-level player.“. On Wednesday evening, during the first day of the Champions League against Girona (1-0), the former FC Nantes striker may not have shown the best version of himself. However, many observers recognized his fine entry into play, on an evening where the Red and Blue shone with their offensive clumsiness. A lack of realism that did not escape the French center forward, who never managed to find the target despite five attempts. Yes, but there you have it, in addition to this imprecision, RKM had the merit of sending some positive signals. Combative (9 duels won out of 13) and inspired in his ball handling (100% successful dribbles), the Parisian striker thus offered himself several situations.
A performance still far from the hopes placed in him, but which proves, despite everything, his capacity to carry the Parisian attack over the coming weeks. “We need to install Randal Kolo Muani up front, at least while we wait for Gonçalo Ramos to return from injury. I really liked the Frenchman’s return. Asensio is a good player, but Luis Enrique really needs to insist with Kolo Muani. Of course, he lacked a bit of luck with his chances, but he made some good moves and some powerful plays, showing that he had all the qualities to be PSG’s centre-forward. He brings depth and variety to the game. We feel that he can really step up and gain confidence if he has the opportunity to start a series of games.”commented Daniel Bravo in this sense a few moments after the victory snatched against Girona. While waiting for Ramos to return and the duration of Asensio’s unavailability, Randal Kolo Muani therefore has his destiny in his own hands. It’s up to him to seize his chance, starting Saturday, when the reigning French champions travel to Reims.
