Despite the river score, not everything was so easy for PSG yesterday in Le Havre (4-1). The start of the second half was complicated and it was ultimately the quality of the bench that made the difference with the goals of the French internationals Dembélé, Barcola and Kolo Munai from the penalty spot. Luis Enrique had bet on a starting line-up with players who had completed a full preparation. Willian Pacho arrived less than ten days ago but was already physically fit. We had already seen him at work against RB Leipzig and it was confirmed at the Stade Océane.
Partnered with Lucas Beraldo, the Ecuadorian recruited for €40 million from Eintracht Frankfurt impressed with his authority and defensive qualities. Even though he was caught once on an oriented control from Casimir, the left-hander did not seem intimidated at all for his first official match. His bursts and his domination in the air did good to a team that sometimes floated collectively. His understanding with the young Brazilian even worked well and he showed himself capable of being tough on his opponents. His qualities are reminiscent of those of a certain Presnel Kimpembe.
A successful first official match
The press is unanimous after this performance. The editorial staff of French Football Weekly gave it a solid 6.5, when The Parisian settled for a 6, while The Team gave him a 7. Everyone noticed his serenity and his slight technical waste in the restarts. In the short game on the other hand, Pacho did not lose a ball and better still, he won 4 of his duels out of the 7 played and recovered 5 balls in the opponent’s feet. Everything was not perfect obviously but it is already a successful first.
The recruit is in the same vein as João Neves, who was also decisive in his first appearance in an official match with his new club. It is obviously too early to draw conclusions, especially since PSG’s season really begins with the Champions League. They will have to reproduce this kind of performance against teams of a completely different caliber, but it bodes well for the future, in addition to the message sent to the competition internally. Injured, Kimpembe and Hernandez are warned, as are Skriniar, Beraldo and even Marquinhos.
