Arriving in July 2022 in the French capital after having learned his lessons at Sporting CP, Nuno Mendes is still struggling to explode at the highest level in the jersey of Paris Saint-Germain. Voted best prospect in Ligue 1 during the 2023 UNFP trophies, the Portuguese international (29 caps) has, in fact, had a contrasting adventure so far in the City of Lights. Hampered by various injuries, the native of Lisbon has missed a whopping 58 matches (359 days of injury) since his debut in Paris. Determined to express his full potential during this 2024-2025 financial year, the 1m83 left-hander, who withdrew against the HAC and was affected by a viral syndrome before Lille, therefore hopes to play a series of high-level matches over the coming months. An ambition also shared by the reigning French champions, especially at a time when Lucas Hernández is recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Tactical use at the heart of the debates
This Friday evening, during the sixth day of Ligue 1, the Parisian number 25 will have a new opportunity to prove his talent against Stade Rennais. Convincing during his three starts in all competitions this season, the man who sees his contract run until June 2026 notably offered himself a decisive pass against Montpellier (6-0) before releasing his team against Girona (1-0 ), last Wednesday, at the end of regulation time. Renowned for his athletic qualities, his ability to multiply runs in his left lane and his technical accuracy, Nuno Mendes nevertheless raises, at the same time, some questions from observers. How, in this respect, can we explain the rare projections of the Portuguese? Why doesn’t Luis Enrique rely more often on the obvious offensive talent of his protégé? Is the crack of the Seleção das Quinas simply restricted? So many questions arising from the services provided by the principal concerned.
Indeed, at a time when his right counterpart, Achraf Hakimi, has complete freedom – alternating offensive projections, incorporation into the Ile-de-France midfield to provide the surplus, or even privileged relay in a role of false number 9 – Nuno Mendes is forced to respect Luis Enrique’s instructions. Those of a coach advocating imbalance while cherishing balance. A philosophy perfectly illustrated when we look at the use made by the Spaniard of his men in the corridor. One travels. The other remains at the dock. A choice which may logically seem surprising, especially given the Portuguese’s offensive capabilities in the final third. During the recent international break, the liberated Parisian shone, delivering two caviars and allowing the Portuguese selection to perfectly launch its Nations League campaign (2-1 victories against Croatia and Scotland). A choice, however, explained by the game structure embodied by Luis Enrique.
A role of first booster
Recently questioned on this subject at a press conference, the Spanish technician also defended himself: “It remains the same position, I know he is an incredible attacking player and I believe the team needs that, there will be other times I believe balance is very important. In this case and this phase of play, Nuno is at the back. You have to have a series of elements for it to take on depth”indicated the former coach of La Roja. Therefore, by analyzing the possession times of the Parisian collective and more precisely the construction of the attacking phases of the Rouge et Bleu, a pattern repeats itself. Each offensive – when it is placed – thus begins with a clear positioning.
In addition to the player coming to stick the line on either side, three defenders, responsible for the first restart, find themselves at the base of the game and in zones decided beforehand. One in the right half-space, the other in the center, the last – Nuno Mendes – in the left half-space. An organization then allowing Achraf Hakimi to sow trouble in the opposing defenses and can be explained above all by the Spanish technician’s desire not to overload the left wing, an area where Bradley Barcola, lonely, can then take advantage of numerous spaces. A tactical option which has regularly borne fruit since the start of the season but which has also shown its limits, notably during the European clash against Girona (1-0).
“Thank you (for the man of the match trophy, editor’s note), it was a complicated match, it’s a team that plays well with the ball. We tried to press them well because they are very strong with the ball and we tried to do the best we could so that they couldn’t do it but we didn’t succeed well. We gave everything, that’s what we have to do and the goal came at the last minute, that’s what’s most important. I think the pressing didn’t really work. We pressed badly but they’re a good team too, they know how to play with the ball. It was a complicated match but the three points are the most important”assured, in this capacity, Nuno Mendes, credited with a 6.5 by the FM editorial team and interviewed on Canal + a few moments after the meeting.
Hampered by the low and compact block of the Spanish formation, PSG – entangled in a slower pace than usual – in fact never really overwhelmed the Blanquivermells. A meeting where the climbs of Nuno Mendes then proved valuable. Projections, however, respect the structure established by Luis Enrique. Thus, on the first sharp projection of the Portuguese, leading to the first shot on target for the Parisians (49th), Vitinha was responsible for picking up to find himself to the left of the central defender, Willian Pacho. Bis repeated on the action of the goal. With Joao Neves placed to the right of Marquinhos and Pacho shifted to the left, Nuno Mendes was able to take his lane before deceiving the unfortunate Paulo Gazzaniga with a tight cross from the left (90th). Two sequences ultimately proving the benefits of this other alternative. However, and if this option were to persist over time, there is no doubt that the former Barça coach will ensure, above all, the overall balance of his team.
How to free Nuno Mendes?
With this in mind and to allow Nuno Mendes to discover new horizons, a midfielder (Vitinha, Joao Neves, Warren Zaire-Emery, Fabian Ruiz) will have to drop out to reform this three base. A structure which would ultimately offer PSG a new field of possibilities. A world where danger would come from both the left and the right. Finally, Luis Enrique, renowned for his ability to surprise crowds, could also choose to modify his organization, worked on for several months, by allowing himself a first construction line with only two players. If this option seems unlikely, it would still allow the capital club to offer greater alternation in the development of its offensive phases and would, at the same time, give Nuno Mendes the opportunity to navigate more freely in its lane. …
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