Warren Zaire-Emery never ceases to impress. Permanent holder of Paris Saint-Germain since Achraf Hakimi’s major injury, the young French international (19 years old) has established himself as a centerpiece of Luis Enrique’s system. With more than 1,700 minutes played, he is now the outfield player most used by the Spanish coach this season, a strong indicator of the confidence placed in him by the technician and the importance taken by the native of Montreuil in the Parisian collective. If he had already helped out occasionally in this position last season, this is the first time that he has been installed there in a lasting manner. And on the right of the PSG defense, the former captain of the Espoirs shines with his defensive rigor, his sense of positioning, but also with a rare ability to project himself forward. A hybrid role, perfectly assumed, which highlights his ability to adapt and a fairly impressive level of performance.
The comparison with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is almost self-evident. Like the Englishman under Jürgen Klopp, Zaire-Emery is much more than just a right-back. When PSG controls the game and is in possession of the ball, it leaves its lane to reinforce the axis, forming a mobile and intelligent diamond with Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz and João Neves. Luis Enrique fully exploits this ability to alternate zones and densify the interior game, offering the young Parisian controlled freedom which allows him to express all his technical quality. Against Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1, he even had the luxury of opening the score after a sharp run concluded with a dry strike, a symbol of his offensive qualities. “I think Warren is playing with more confidence. He can play anywhere and today he was very good”Luis Enrique confided after the match, a statement which perfectly illustrates the rise in power and versatility of his young player.
A headache ahead for Luis Enrique
This new version of Zaire-Emery also refers to the profile of Éduardo Camavinga when he too was repositioned as left back at Real Madrid: a training midfielder, deployed on one side, but capable of redefining the contours of the role thanks to his understanding of the game and his versatility. Against Nantes, then against Athletic Club on Wednesday evening in C1 in a tough match which ended in a 0-0, where he was also awarded a 7 in our columns, Zaire-Emery stood up to formidable opponents like Nico Williams, multiplying the decisive interventions and displaying a mixture of power, concentration and volume of play. “He’s one of the most mature players I’ve seen. He helps the team as a full-back and as a midfielder. It is very complete”declared Luis Enrique again before the trip to San Mamés. The Spanish coach has appreciated him since his first day in Paris, but we must also underline the impeccable state of mind of the Parisian titi, who has never hesitated to evolve in a role that is not his and who, above all, responds week after week on the pitch.
However, this success could very quickly turn into a luxury headache for Luis Enrique. What to do when Achraf Hakimi returns from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations? The Moroccan international will logically recover his right lane, as his influence and importance in the Parisian game are uncontested. But at the same time, nothing justifies today removing Zaire-Emery from the starting lineup. Replacing him in the middle would imply sacrificing a Fabián Ruiz or a João Neves in full success, a delicate choice as the competition is strong in the midfield. “It’s important for me to have several players who can play everywhere. He has this ability to evolve everywhere and he does it well”recalled Luis Enrique at a press conference, aware of having a rare asset in his hands: a player capable of reshaping the balance of his entire team.
The 2026 World Cup in the viewfinder
And naturally, this rise in power has not escaped Didier Deschamps. Absent during the Blues meetings in September and October, Zaire-Emery returned to the Espoirs to regain rhythm and regain confidence before rejoining the November list. A logical call-up in the eyes of the coach. “It did him good, he found pleasure again. It doesn’t have to be a punishment. He wanted it”explained Didier Deschamps before France’s resounding victory against Ukraine (4-0). Through his versatility, his tactical intelligence and his rigor, the Parisian ticks all the boxes valued by the coach of the 2018 World Champions. And as his influence grows at PSG, the prospect of participation in the 2026 World Cup becomes a truly credible horizon. Bleuets coach Gérald Baticle also praised Warren Zaire-Emery: “he had the objectives he was looking for: to come and have fun, to contribute to his generation and to regain his place as soon as possible. He had a lot of fun. And if it gave him back some confidence, some energy, it was interesting. Warren blended into a group that lived well and took what there was to take. »
Aware of the expectations surrounding him, the young Parisian midfielder nevertheless loses none of his humility. “There is always hope, of course I hope to be there (at the 2026 World Cup). It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, we just want to be there. I will put all the chances on my side”he confided during PSG Media Day a few weeks ago. A calm, measured speech, like a player who is progressing without skipping steps, after a frankly unrecognizable start to the season. When it comes time to face Metz for the 16th day of Ligue 1, Warren Zaire-Emery continues to demonstrate that Luis Enrique was right. His repositioning on the right flank was not an improvised choice, but a carefully considered gamble. A winning bet, which could even prove to be a major turning point in his young career.
