It was the big curiosity of this Wednesday evening. While Roberto De Zerbi had decided to surprise his world by starting young Darryl Bakola (17) with OM against Newcastle in C1 on Tuesday, Luis Enrique decided to pull off a similar move when facing Tottenham at the Parc des Princes. On the bench, the Spanish coach therefore left Dembélé, Ramos, Kang-in Lee, Mayulu and Mbaye to give the famous role of false number 9 to… Quentin Ndjantou. At just 18 years old, the Parisian titi had the first start of his career in the Champions League.
A strong choice from Luis Enrique who probably wanted to take advantage of his mobility and speed to dive behind a Spurs defense, renowned for its explosiveness, notably Micky van de Ven. Associated with Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the young Ndjantou managed to score points this Wednesday evening, trying, in a difficult role to master, to play fair, improve the balls and swallow the slightest space to stretch the lines. Always with this constant desire to find relays in the first period, he became a decisive passer for Vitinha’s remote-controlled missile (45th).
A baptism of fire
We can also attribute the corner obtained on Pacho’s goal to him, but overall his performance was more than encouraging. It also obtained a rating of 5.5 from the FM editorial staff. Asked about his case at a press conference, Luis Enrique was rather very complimentary. “He was sensational, he has the ability to play everywhere, in the middle, in attack, he gives continuity, he has a lot of mobility. He played everywhere, he showed personality, I’m very happy. He’s a real recruit, we didn’t go to the transfer window to recruit Ndjantou and I’m very happy. He can play anywhere, I like the way he plays, he’s a great recruit, he’s the first recruit, we’re ahead of all the other teams, are you happy (laughs)? »launched the Spanish coach.
In a PSG which must achieve a big offensive turnover this season to limit injuries, Luis Enrique has therefore decided to trust a new titi. After Ibrahim Mbaye, here is now Quentin Ndjantou who will undoubtedly have other opportunities to shine in Parisian colors. This Wednesday, he made his baptism in the Champions League with a striking victory (5-3). But Luis Enrique is not wrong: he did not just win a simple C1 match, he also gained a new credible option for his attack. And we can’t wait to see it again.
