Still under construction defensively after the injury of Marquinhos and in a context of overloaded infirmary, PSG needed a solid mark to welcome AJ Auxerre this Saturday at the Prince Parc. In this decor marked by the celebration of Ousmane Dembélé's Ballon d'Or and the desire to revive after the defeat in the classic against Marseille (1-0), Illia Zabarnyi responded perfectly. Holder in the axis, the former defender of Dynamo kyiv confirmed his rise in power by signing his first goal under the Parisian colors, with a resumption of the left foot on a center of Vitinha (1-0, 33rd).
Already one of the few to off on Monday evening against OM on Monday evening, Zabarnyi continued his momentum against Auxerre. Concentrated and rigorous, he matured the absence of marquinhos with maturity and brought this serenity so much sought after in the recovery. In a defensive sector often pointed out since the start of the season, the young Ukrainian international asserts himself match after match as one of the most reliable recruits in Paris.
Luis Enrique is a fan
Statistics speak for him: 90 ball keys, 77 successful passes out of 80 – a rate of 96 %, six defensive clearances, interception and a successful tackle. Never dribbled, he left very few spaces to his direct opponents. If he has won only a duel on the ground in two and no aerial duel, his contribution in reading the game and his composure in the surface have largely compensated. Only downside: an error that could have brought an Auxerrois shot, without consequences this time: “It is important to start from the front. I am very happy to have scored my first goal at the Parc des Princes. We must continue in our objectives, we have shown it today. For Ousmane, it's incredible and it deserves it 100%. It is a very good feeling for us. The injuries happen. We are a very good team, everyone can help. I think we are the best team in the world ”he said after the meeting.
Beyond the figures, it is the attitude that marks, because Zabarnyi gives off an impression of control, anticipates opposing movements and already embodies a certain defensive leadership, despite some reminders which leave to be desired: “All the things we have seen from him, we find him. He is a very young player but with experience, personality, we are happy to have it. He played a very high level“Said Luis Enrique at a press conference. With the shock against FC Barcelona in the Champions League next week and an uncertain marquinhos, PSG can be delighted to have found in Ukrainian a pillar in full Ascension, capable of combining defensive efficiency and offensive contribution.
