PSG made a bold choice this summer: not signing a backup right-back for Achraf Hakimi. Inside the club, the decision is fully assumed. Luis Enrique believes he already has the solutions within his squad.
Why no reinforcement for Hakimi? The club’s reasoning is clear: versatility. Enrique wants “Swiss army knife” players capable of adapting. With Hakimi set to leave for the AFCON in January, the Spaniard plans to rotate several options. Last season, Warren Zaïre-Emery, João Neves and even Senny Mayulu were all tested in that role.
For the staff, their hybrid profiles add tactical flexibility: “When Warren or João play in that position, it changes the build-up. Defensively, they slide right, but in possession they drift back inside, making the team less predictable,” a club source told L’Équipe.
Pacho, Marquinhos, Zabarnyi… plenty of backups
The arrival of Illia Zabarnyi also fits this philosophy. Like Willian Pacho, who can cover left-back, the Ukrainian defender or even Marquinhos could step in on the right flank, boosting the squad’s physical presence and defensive solidity. The objective: dominate duels and protect the box.
PSG is also keeping an eye on its youth. Sixteen-year-old David Boly is already pushing for a first-team role. And the internal message is crystal clear: “Whatever the position, you must adapt. Otherwise, it’s the bench.”
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