Leandro Paredes and Kylian Mbappe were the shining lights at Paris Saint-Germain secured a comprehensive 4-1 win over RC Strasbourg on Saturday.
Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways on Saturday with a convincing 4-1 triumph over RC Strasbourg. It was a vital result for the away side, who needed to keep up with league leaders LOSC Lille after losing the duel last weekend.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men produced a wonderful display in the first half, dominating the possession and imposing their authority on the pitch. It was reflected in their performance in front of goal as well, with Kylian Mbappe breaking the deadlock inside 16 minutes before Pablo Sarabia doubled the lead ten minutes later.
PSG were cruising to a 2-0 lead going into a half-time, but there was still time for another strike as Moise Kean produced an explosive finish to make it 3-0, virtually killing the tie. The visitors did ake a rather lethargic start to the second half and were duly punished when Dion Moise Sahi pulled one back for Strasbourg around the hour mark.
PSG could not create as many chances in response, but a stunning free-kick from Leandro Paredes helped them restore the three-goal cushion. Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their comprehensive win over Strasbourg this weekend.
Keylor Navas: 6.5/10
Keylor Navas did not have anything much to do as Strasbourg struggled to create many opportunities. His night was cut short, though, as the former Real Madrid goalkeeper had to make way for Sergio Rico at half-time. No sign of any injury either.
Sergio Rico brought on at half-time for Keylor Navas for PSG – no indication that there’s an injury problem for the Costa Rican who is likely just being given 45 minutes off ahead of the Bayern clash on Tuesday.
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) April 10, 2021
Thilo Kehrer: 6.5/10
Thilo Kehrer was given the berth at right-back despite some poor performances in recent weeks. It turned out to be a wise decision from Pochettino as the former Schalke defender did not have much trouble defending the pressure from Strasbourg. He was not quite effective going forward, but this little performance should do him a world of good.
Danilo Pereira: 7.5/10
Danilo Pereira had to slot in at centre-back following the injury of Marquinhos in midweek. The Portuguese international played that new role with aplomb, looking very solid in aerial duels while also imposing his authority in terms of his build-up skills. It was his driving run and a subsequent forward pass that led to the second goal from Sarabia.
Presnel Kimpembe: 7/10
Presnel Kimpembe offered excellent defensive cover for Danilo, looking reassuring in the build-up. His ability to read the game was also useful for PSG in neutralising most of the counter-attacking threat from the home side. Did not shine as much as Danilo but the defender was key in marshalling the backline nonetheless.
Mitchell Bakker: 6/10
Mitchell Bakker had to slot into the starting eleven in the absence of Layvin Kurzawa and Juan Bernat. The youngster offered tenacity without possession but failed to offer any real quality in his forays down the flanks. He certainly lacks confidence in his game and must improve going forward.
Leandro Paredes: 9/10
Leandro Paredes was by far the best performer for PSG in this vital win over Strasbourg. He was everywhere in the middle third of the pitch, protecting the defensive axis with his aggression and tenacity while offering support going forward with driving runs into the final third. He was notably involved in Mbappe’s opener before the Argentine capped off a brilliant display with a stunning free-kick from range. Man of the match.
?? Leandro Daniel Paredes with a perfect Free-kick. Brilliant goal and an assist, a Man of the match performance?
PSG is surely going to win the 2nd leg Against Bayern with this Acrobatic Paredes pic.twitter.com/qJgn4mPdqK— Albiceleste Zone ?? (@AlbicelesteZone) April 10, 2021
Ander Herrera: 7.5/10
Ander Herrera was given the nod ahead of Idrissa Gueye as Pochettino looked for more energy in midfield. The former Manchester United man offered exactly that, impressing with his work-rate and determination. Also offered excellent support to Paredes, essentially PSG dominate this game.
Pablo Sarabia: 7/10
Pablo Sarabia was given the nod ahead of Julian Draxler and Neymar, in light of the upcoming key Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich. The Spaniard made good on his opportunity, scoring a majestic goal just before the half-hour mark, even though his influence in the game eventually faded.
Rafinha: 8/10
Rafinha was another fringe player to be given a starting opportunity by Pochettino in this game, incidentally being the third Spaniard as well. The midfielder did not disappoint either, playing a key role in the approach play, in the absence of a certain Marco Verratti. He certainly offers a lot of technical prowess in midfield.
Kylian Mbappe: 8.5/10
Kylian Mbappe was once again PSG’s protagonist going forward, notably finding the all-important opener with a sublime finish in the 16th minute. His pace, tenacity and quality made him a sheer menace for the Strasbourg backline, with the Frenchman also playing a vital role in the build-up to Kean’s goal just before half-time. A supreme attacking display from the superstar.
No active Ligue 1 player has more league goals (101) than Kylian Mbappe.
He's still only 22 ? pic.twitter.com/SIBRer5Mhb
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 10, 2021
Moise Kean: 7/10
Moise Kean was given the responsibility of spearheading the PSG attack in the absence of Neymar. He offered a lot of movement and work-rate in the final third while his physicality and willingness to test the goalkeeper yielded a goal just before half-time. An impressive offensive performance by the on-loan Everton striker.
SUBSTITUTES
Sergio Rico: 6/10
Sergio Rico replaced Navas at the start of the second half, but could not manage to secure the clean sheet as he was completely beaten by an excellent finish from Sahi around the hour mark.
Idrissa Gueye: N/A
A late replacement for Rafinha. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Julian Draxler: N/A
A late replacement for Kean. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Xavi Simons: N/A
A late replacement for Herrera. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Kenny Nagera: N/A
A late replacement for Mbappe. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
