Landing at PSG for a tidy sum when you are a young player offers no guarantee of success. Some got lost along the way, lulled by sweet illusions but struck by the reality of the very highest level. Where increased competition makes every minute decisive for his future at the club. Others have fed off this pressure to assert themselves as a solution for the future, and the present. This is what Désiré Doué has been doing in recent weeks.
Recruited for €50 million from Stade Rennais in the heart of August, with the blessing of Luis Enrique, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder quickly obtained playing time, with entries into Ligue 1 and the Champions League (where he appeared in 5 matches out of the 6 played). The beginnings were no less delicate, taking the time to adapt to the demands of the Spanish coach and to discover his teammates. We felt it, Désiré Doué wanted to prove that he had the level to be there, that he had fire in his legs, and that sometimes did him a disservice.
The fittest Parisian
But ten days ago, something clicked. Previously, his entries had gained in precision and efficiency, but the one against RB Salzburg was a model of its kind. With a goal, his first in the Champions League, and an assist, he largely contributed to PSG’s imperative success. And he can count on a coach who is not afraid. Because he started the two Ligue 1 shocks straight away, against OL then against Monaco. For an equally attractive result, with a new assist for Dembélé and a penalty caused against OL, and his first goal in L1 against AS Monaco. He is also the Parisian who has completed the most dribbles in 5 games.
Positive statistics therefore, which faithfully reflect its evolution on the ground. Whether he plays on the right, in the center or on the left (he occupied all three positions against Monaco), Désiré Doué seems to have taken the measure of his new environment, and can thus let his talent shine. His first touch of the ball is worthy of the best, his percussion ability was noticed against Monaco, as was his vision of the game, like his splendid backheel towards Dembélé. Praised by Luis Enrique for his versatility, Doué may have crossed the last toll to join the highway to success.
