PSG: behind the scenes of the successful integration of Willian Pacho

“Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to welcome Willian Pacho. The 22-year-old central defender, who will wear number 51, signs up until 2029 and thus becomes the first Ecuadorian player in the Club’s history.. On August 9, the reigning French champions announced the arrival of Willian Pacho from Eintracht Frankfurt. In search of a right central defender at the start of the summer transfer window, Luis Campos and his teams finally set their sights on the versatile 1m87 left-hander, a direct consequence of the numerous injuries in this sector of play (Lucas Hernández, Milan Skriniar, Presnel Kimpembe). Convinced by the profile of the native of Quinindé, the capital club did not hesitate to pay 45 million euros, bonus included. A significant investment, but one that pays off quickly…

A versatile profile, impressive statistics

Reassuring for his partners during his first steps in the Parisian jersey, the player who played for Independiente and Royal Antwerp confirmed all the hopes placed in him during the first day of Ligue 1 against HAC (4-1). Aligned alongside Lucas Beraldo, the rock of the Tri (18 caps, 2 goals) made a remarkable debut. Solid in the air and authoritative in his interventions (4 duels won out of 7 contested), the number 51 of the capital club also distinguished himself by some decisive returns (5 balls recovered, 1 interception). Enough to give the person concerned confidence and satisfy the Parisian supporters… Following the momentum of this first successful outing, the man we now nickname “Pachito” in the Parisian locker room maintained the pace.

Serene in his transmissions, intelligent in his positioning and at ease with his various defense partners, the 22-year-old Ecuadorian also made an impression with his power released in the duel. A positive visual impression largely confirmed in the figures. The player who attempted (355) and succeeded (339) the most passes in his side in the elite this season, the Parisian defender also recovered 36 balls, intercepted the ball 13 times and won 28 of his 46 duels, i.e. more than 60% success. Flattering statistics proving the undeniable performance of the man who took part in all the matches during this 2024-2025 financial year (7 starts, 657 minutes of play played). In his prime, Pacho also stands out for his reliability.

Pacho, a discreet and perfectly integrated man

Apart from a shoulder injury which kept him away from the field for several months in 2021, the Ecuadorian defender has never left the field since the start of his young career. Last season, he was even the player most used by his coach Dino Toppmöller (3,939 minutes of play), ahead of Kevin Trapp, the starting goalkeeper of the Eagles (3,825 minutes). Confident of his qualities, Pacho therefore exported his many qualities to the City of Lights. Described, according to our information, as a player “rather discreet”the Ecuadorian quickly integrated himself into the locker room, taking advantage of his mastery of Spanish which allows him to maintain fluid communication, whether with Marquinhos, Lucas Beraldo, Nuno Mendes or even his trainer, Luis Enrique.

Less verbose than the vocal leaders of the Parisian locker room, the neo-Parisian – who is currently taking French lessons – ultimately uses the field, more than words, to impose himself. An express adaptation facilitated by the calm displayed by the principal concerned, fixed on his objectives, like his various pre-match routines. A salsa music lover, Pacho never fails to make this little bandage on his left hand before entering the lawn of the Parc des Princes. Rituals allowing him, today, to remain focused and to assert himself as one of the references to his position. Note, in this respect, that he is part of two of the three duos exchanging the most passes in Ligue 1 (225 with Beraldo, 182 with Marquinhos like the Alexsandro-Diakité pair in Lille).

An agreement already reached with Marquinhos

Present in the mixed zone after the Parisian victory against Girona (1-0), Pacho did not fail to underline his complicity with Marquinhos. “I am very happy with our agreement. Marquinhos is a great person, a great captain. He talks to me every day, he has a lot of experience. I’m trying to learn a lot from him, I know it will help me in the future.”had notably assured the 22-year-old defender before returning to his role in this new collective. “Regarding my place in the team, I do what I am asked. I give everything to the team”. An ambition in line with his comments made a few weeks earlier, after his team’s draw (1-1) against RB Leipzig.

“The staff explained to me how we played and what they expected of me. I feel comfortable. I am someone who likes to make contact, but I also like to be playful and have the ball. And I like to put my aggressiveness at the service of the team. I can play on both sides of the axis, that’s no problem for me.”. Questioned this Saturday, on the sidelines of the match against OGC Nice counting for the 7th day, Luis Enrique – obviously delighted by the debut of his protégé – however preferred to highlight the impact of the various summer recruits. “I would like that instead of talking only about Pacho, we talk about the four signings this summer. The players adapted quickly, their performances are up to standard. They are aware of the club’s requirements and I am happy with their arrivals.. Against the Aiglons, Willian Pacho will also have a new opportunity to satisfy his coach…