Europe’s best left-back Nuno Mendes is ready to shut down Bukayo Saka and fire PSG into the final, writes Dylan Johnson.
As Paris Saint-Germain prepare to take on Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, all eyes are on a mouthwatering individual battle on the flanks—Nuno Mendes vs Bukayo Saka. And while Saka’s dazzling display against Real Madrid has rightly grabbed headlines, there’s a strong case that no left-back in world football is in better form right now than Mendes.
PSG have powered past two Premier League teams to reach this stage, brushing aside Liverpool with control and energy, before outgunning Aston Villa in a 5–4 aggregate win that underlined both their attacking prowess and defensive vulnerability. Luis Enrique’s side may have looked shaky at the back against Villa, but one player who has stood firm throughout their European run is the 22-year-old Portuguese left-back.
Since joining from Sporting CP in 2021 for under €40 million, Mendes has developed into one of the finest full-backs in Europe. His mix of athleticism, technical quality, and defensive intelligence has made him a vital part of PSG’s system—both in Ligue 1, where they’re closing in on an invincible title, and in Europe, where they are among the favourites to finally lift the Champions League trophy.
Mendes missed much of the 2023–24 season with injury, but his return has been emphatic. He was outstanding across two legs against Liverpool, keeping Mohamed Salah—who has 45 Premier League goal contributions this season—quiet in both encounters. It was a defining moment that announced Mendes’ return to top form, with his pace and positioning nullifying one of the world’s deadliest forwards.
Yet Mendes is far more than a shutdown defender. His attacking involvement has been crucial to PSG’s fluid front line, regularly linking with the likes of Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. His overlapping runs and close control help stretch opposition defences and create spaces for PSG’s wide attackers to exploit. Few full-backs contribute so effectively at both ends of the pitch.
Now, another test awaits: Bukayo Saka who scored against PSG when the sides met in the league phase. The Arsenal winger was electric against Real Madrid, showing once again how dangerous he can be in tight spaces and transition. But unlike many full-backs he’s faced, Saka will be going up against someone with the pace, strength, and tactical discipline to go toe-to-toe across two 90 minute match ups.
If Mendes can replicate his display against Salah, he could silence Arsenal’s most dangerous weapon. And if Saka is kept quiet, Arsenal’s chances of breaching PSG’s backline shrink dramatically. It’s a high-stakes duel—and right now, Mendes looks ready for it.
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