Champions League, PSG: Nordi Mukiele, the upcoming surprise from Luis Enrique?

“I decide it on match day, after seeing training. I insist but training is important. I don’t know yet who will play. We will use this performance against one of the most complete teams, which looks like Real Sociedad. It’s going to be difficult but it’s a competition that attracts us. I hope we can give pleasure to the supporters”. Here are the words of Luis Enrique, asked a few minutes after the match about his possible starting line-up against Real Sociedad, next Wednesday, for the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League. If the Spanish technician therefore maintained the mystery at the press conference, Nordi Mukiele (26 years old) took full advantage of the Lille reception to send a strong message to his coach.

Very little used since the start of the season (11 appearances in all competitions, 489 minutes of play played), the former RB Leipzig defender was even very close to leaving during the winter transfer window. Yes, but despite interest shown by Bayern Munich, the Parisian number 26 ultimately remained in the French capital. This Saturday evening, at the Parc des Princes, the native of Montreuil had a great opportunity to prove all his talent in the eyes of Luis Enrique. A rare opportunity that the person concerned did not miss. Aligned in the right lane of the Parisian defense in the absence of Achraf Hakimi, preserved before Real Sociedad, the 1m87 right-hander thus scored valuable points.

Nordi Mukiele ready to redistribute the cards!

Sidelined for several months last season due to a hamstring injury and then a relapse, the Frenchman never gave in to Lille’s timid attacks. Serious in his positioning, solid in his one-on-one against Gabriel Gudmundsson and strong in a combative state of mind, the Parisian full-back ultimately won most of his duels (10/16) while recovering a few precious balls (4 in total and 2 interceptions). Symbol of this very convincing copy? This superb sliding tackle made in added time of this clash to counter Rémy Cabella’s strike and thus relieve Keylor Navas. Credited with a 5.5 by the FM editorial team, the one who, admittedly, experienced a slightly greater waste during the first act (17 balls lost in total) nevertheless proved that he could claim a more important role. important in the coming weeks.

Repositioned in the left lane after the entry into play of Achraf Hakimi (69th), Mukiele has, moreover, confirmed all his versatility. Much more comfortable than Lucas Beraldo – once again disappointing against the Mastiffs – in this role, the former Montpellier HSC player contained the breakthroughs of Adam Ounas rather well, replacing Edon Zhegrova. A rigorous performance which could therefore open the doors to a start on Wednesday evening against Real Sociedad. Indeed, if the right flank already seems promised to Achraf Hakimi, the Franco-Congolese defender has, today, every chance of starting on the other side, especially in view of the recent limited performances of Beraldo. It now remains to be seen whether Luis Enrique will favor this option or opt for a central defense composed of Marquinhos and Danilo Pereira with Lucas Hernandez aligned on the left…