Moroccan fullback Achraf Hakimi will be the difference maker when Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League tonight, writes DYLAN JOHNSON.
Hakimi has been crucial under Luis Enrique, and if the French champions are to overcome Arne Slot’s side, Hakimi’s performance will be pivotal.
A product of Real Madrid’s youth system, he made his breakthrough at Borussia Dortmund, where he flourished as an attacking fullback. His next move to Inter Milan proved even more successful, as he played a key role in winning the club’s first Serie A title in 11 years. PSG recognized his potential and signed him for over €60 million in 2021, making him a core part of their project.
Under Luis Enrique, Hakimi has thrived, becoming an essential part of PSG’s attacking plans. His ability to break forward, stretch defenses, and combine with teammates make him a constant threat. Against Liverpool, his role will be even more crucial as he looks to exploit a vulnerable area of the Reds’ defense.
One of the biggest duels of the night will be between Hakimi and Andy Robertson. The Liverpool left-back has not been at his best this season. The 31-year-old has struggled defensively, looking especially vulnerable to quick opposition and appearing less confident in his decision-making and in possession than previous campaigns. Hakimi’s speed and well-timed runs into attacking spaces will put immense pressure on Robertson.
While Hakimi focuses on aggressive attacking runs, his counterpart on the opposite flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold, provides a different type of threat. Alexander-Arnold plays more like a deep-lying playmaker, controlling play with his passing range, whereas Hakimi is more of a direct, high-speed winger in PSG’s system. Despite their contrasting styles, the two fullbacks have similar attacking outputs, with Alexander-Arnold registering 56 goal contributions and Hakimi close behind with 47 since the 2021-22 season.
Luis Enrique’s tactical approach has evolved PSG’s play style, emphasizing possession and wide overloads to stretch defenses. Hakimi’s link-up play with Marquinhos, Vitinha, and Joao Neves has been a major part of PSG’s attacking structure. The Moroccan’s role in stretching the play, receiving switches of possession, and attacking the final third has made him a fundamental piece in PSG’s system.
Another key development under Enrique is PSG’s ability to evade high-pressing teams by switching play. Hakimi often stays high and wide to act as an outlet when the team is under pressure, a tactic that will be crucial against Liverpool’s aggressive pressing. His ability to control the ball in space and drive forward could expose gaps in Slot’s defensive setup.
Since Kylian Mbappé’s exit, PSG’s attacking play has become more balanced. In previous seasons, the team heavily relied on individual brilliance from Mbappé. Now, goals and chances are being created through structured attacking play, where Hakimi plays a major part. His ability to drift into central and wide attacking positions, acting almost as a winger in PSG’s formation, makes him even more dangerous.
If PSG are to take an advantage to Anfield, they will need Hakimi to take control. His pace, attacking intelligence, and ability to exploit space will be decisive in breaking Liverpool’s press and unlocking their defense. PSG’s best route to victory lies in his ability to dominate the right flank, and if he delivers, the French giants will head to Anfield with a crucial first-leg advantage.
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