Achraf Hakimi, a wing-back in full swing
Already involved in three goals in the first four games of the season, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back is looking better than ever on the pitch.
He wasted no time in making his mark upon signing for the club in July 2022, opening his goal tally that same month in a friendly against Orléans. Since then, a year has passed. It has been a year since Achraf Hakimi left Italy, where he was crowned champion, to come to the French capital and a club which was then in search of its 10th league title.
After a year of adaptation in Paris, the full-back can now take pride in having made his mark on the right flank. His versatility has also meant that it has taken him no time at all to adapt to the new system put in place by Christophe Galtier on his arrival to speed up the attack.
"This system gives a more important role to the full-backs, who can get forward more. I have more freedom to attack, knowing that I obviously also have a responsibility in defence. I feel really comfortable on the pitch like this", explains the Parisian number 2.
The proof is in the pudding
This momentum is already bearing fruit, as Achraf has created chances in all four of Paris Saint-Germain's matches this season and has always had at least one shot on goal. A sign, if any were needed, of his composure in the final third.
Some of these situations have been decisive for the team, as in the very first Ligue 1 match of the season against Clermont. He opened his account with a sudden shot into the top corner of the net to make it 2-0 to Paris.
Another key pass against Montpellier, and above all two goal situations that were started thanks to him: the opening goal coming from his tackle on the edge of the box, and the third goal, thanks to his deflected cross for Neymar Jr.
A new match against Lille and two more key passes, where the 23-year-old even found the back of the net in the 39th minute. How? From a superb move where he was played in by Neymar Jr, allowing him to perfectly send a cross-shot into the back of the net.
Another string to the bow for Hakimi, who was originally a winger. "It's something I love to do. When I was a kid I used to play a bit higher and now I try to work on my finishing in training with my teammates. We joke about it because I try to compete with them by scoring more goals and it pays off in matches. I have more opportunities because I'm much higher up and above all I have more confidence in myself. I hope that more goals will come", he told PSGTV.
As if that wasn't enough, against Lille, he made a final tackle in front of the Dogues' area, which he turned into an assist for Neymar Jr, with the help of a Kylian Mbappé feint. The live wire on the wing will once again be at the service of the team this Sunday evening at the Parc des Princes against Monaco.
A word from coach Galtier
"The contribution of our wing-backs is very interesting. It's nice, but I'm not surprised given the quality of our players, which means we can create danger at any time," explained the Parisian coach in the post-match press conference.
