Arriving at Paris Saint-Germain during the last winter transfer window for a check for 30 million euros, Lucas Beraldo (20 years old) wasted no time in making his debut in the French capital. Taking advantage of the injuries to Presnel Kimpembe and Milan Skriniar, the Brazilian defender – wandered between the left lane and the axis of the Parisian rearguard – thus continued the meetings under the orders of Luis Enrique. Sometimes praised, often criticized, especially in more eccentric positions, the former São Paulo player, despite everything, once again had the confidence of his coach, Tuesday evening, for the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League (2-1). Aligned in central defense, his favorite position, alongside Lucas Hernandez, and after a necessary period of adaptation, Auriverde simply shone for his second start in the most prestigious club competition.
Omnipresent in the duel and inspired in his restarts, he quickly made people forget the absences of Danilo and Marquinhos, still too soon after his calf injury suffered against Nantes. Serene throughout the match, Beraldo made numerous good defensive returns, like this decisive tackle just before the break to repel a Basque cross (42nd). Still as focused after the locker room, he pushed back on his line (79th) while showing himself to be impactful in his team’s offensive play. On the second Parisian goal, he was also at the origin of the action with a sharp pass breaking the opposing lines. Seeming impervious to pressure, despite his young age and the pressure put on by the residents of the Real Arena, the native of Piracicaba ultimately never cracked, finishing the match with logically flattering statistics (9 duels won out of 14 played , 7 balls recovered and 3 interceptions).
Beraldo in the big leagues!
Asked about his performance of the day, the 1m82 left-hander however preferred to focus on the collective performance before discussing his personal case. “I think it was a great performance. The whole team knew how to play their role in the best possible way so that we could leave with qualification this evening. My match? I feel really good, but it’s not just me, it’s the whole team who managed to fulfill their role very well. Everyone managed to execute well what the coach gave us and we managed to get the victory. I am very happy to play in the Champions League and now, being able to play in the quarter-finals is a dream come true.. Humble, the one who also admitted his pride at being called up to Brazil also took the opportunity to send a strong message to his coach.
“I owe a lot to the coach for my adaptation. Speaking Spanish helps me. Marquinhos also who talks to me all the time. I have to thank them for my adaptation”, thus underlined the 1m82 left-hander. After playing alongside Danilo against Rennes then those of Mukiele on the Monegasque pitch, Beraldo has established himself, today, as one of the strong pillars of the Parisian defense. Passing through the mixed zone to answer questions from PSG TVthe Iberian did not fail to display his enthusiasm for the Parisian number 35. “Beraldo! I love Beraldo… who doesn’t?” asked the person concerned. While waiting to put a name to possible detractors, it remains to be seen what Luis Enrique wants with his protégé when the PSG infirmary empties and tougher competition rears its ugly head…
