In a 2021 XXL transfer window marked by the arrivals of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos, a big move was made by Paris Saint-Germain. For 68 million euros, the Ile-de-France residents snatched Achraf Hakimi (25) from Inter Milan in order to strengthen the right flank of their defense. A nice move since the Moroccan established himself as one of the references in his position while remaining an element of the future. This was also confirmed under the Parisian tunic. Playing 94 matches with the club from the French capital in just over two years, he has 13 goals and 16 goals. Quite regular and reliable, he is a satisfaction even if when we see the statistical aspect we are a little below what he achieved at Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan (he played there as a piston ).
However, if we have seen less of the offensive contribution of Achraf Hakimi, on the defensive level, he has progressed a lot as well as in terms of thinking with a much more mature and reliable game. In any case, this is what he explained during the show This Is Paris on bein Sports : “Of course I wasn’t the same player in the Bundesliga as I am today. I have evolved a lot in many aspects and I continue. So yes, of course, I feel like I’m progressing every year and mentally too. I am a little more mature in the way I play, in my decision-making. These are things that are learned over time, the more you progress. That’s why I think I’ve improved a lot from year to year.”
This season under the orders of Luis Enrique, the evolution continues to be very positive for Achraf Hakimi who is passing a great milestone. Even more impactful in his team, he exudes much more confidence and is very efficient in accounting. He also has 4 goals and 4 goals in 14 matches. He is the second best scorer in the Ile-de-France region in Ligue 1 behind Kylian Mbappé (13 goals) and shares the place of best passer in the championship with Ousmane Dembélé, Florian Sotoca, Moses Simon, Edon Zhegrova and Caio Henrique. His duo on the right side with Ousmane Dembélé is also experiencing quite a positive development in recent weeks. Achraf Hakimi also noted that the contribution of his new coach Luis Enrique had facilitated his progress and his performance.
“His arrival really did me good. His way of understanding football, the style of play he wants to implement, that’s what I like. Always going forward. As he said, I’m not just a defender, I also really like to participate offensively in the last thirty meters and help in attack. That’s also why he says I’m not just a defender. He regularly asks me to participate offensively and I feel comfortable doing so. So I’m very happy that he’s here and that I can play for him.” he blurted. New instructions that allow Achraf Hakimi to be like a fish in water: “I am asked to participate more, especially when we attack, to get more involved on the pitch in the final third. It’s something I love doing and I feel freer. That’s why I enjoy doing what I love more. He found the right formula for me, I like this style of play. Performing and totally fulfilled, Achraf Hakimi is enjoying his dazzling form to the delight of Paris Saint-Germain.
