Paris Saint-Germain Player Ratings vs Reims: 8.5/10 for inspiring Neymar; Di Maria, Mbappe get 8 or more

Angel Di Maria, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe impressed as Paris Saint-Germain secured a vital 4-0 win over Reims on Sunday.

Paris Saint-Germain retained their hopes of securing the Ligue 1 title after registering a thumping 4-0 victory over Reims on Sunday. The result sees them bridge the gap to league leaders Lille to just one point after the table toppers were held to a goalless draw by Saint-Etienne on the same day.

Coming on the back of a narrow victory over Montpellier in the Coupe de France semi-final, PSG dominated this game right from the beginning. They bombarded the opposition defence by creating a flurry of chances and further helped by a tenth-minute red card from Yunis Abdelhamid that restricted Reims to ten men.

Moments later, Kylian Mbappe won a penalty that was scored by Neymar, leading the opener from the home side. Les Parisien then extended their lead in the 24th minute through Mbappe himself, although Reims do deserve credit for becoming more defensively aware after that goal, determined to avoid humiliation.

As such, PSG failed to find the third goal for a large period of the game, partly helped by their wasteful nature in front of goal. Ultimately, they needed a Marquinhos header from a set-piece for the elusive third before Moise Kean added some gloss to the scoreline with a late strike – sealing all three points for his side.

Here, at The Hard Tackle, we will run the rule over the PSG players in their comfortable 4-0 win over Reims this weekend.

Keylor Navas: 6/10

Keylor Navas had nothing to do at all, as Reims failed to provide any threat going forward. He had to remain alert on one occasion where Boulaye Dia was given a half-chance to score, but with the opposition failing to amass a single shot on target, it was an easy clean sheet for the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper.

Colin Dagba: 6.5/10

Starting ahead of Alessandro Florenzi, Colin Dagba had a quiet evening in the right-back position. He did not offer too much going forward, but that is highly expected from a largely defensive fullback. Speaking of which, the defender was not troubled much defensively either, as he made way for youngster Timothee Pembele late in the game.

Marquinhos: 7.5/10

It was another domineering performance from Marquinhos. The Brazilian marshalled the PSG backline, using his ability to read the game to neutralise any counter-attacking opportunities for Reims. He was also solid in-ground or aerial duels, capping off a solid defensive performance with a second-half goal that was enough to seal the victory for his side.

Thilo Kehrer: 6.5/10

Thilo Kehrer offered defensive support for Marquinhos, helping PSG keep Reims quiet for the most part of the game. With Presnel Kimpembe ruled out for the season with a suspension, the former Schalke defender will be delighted to get another starting opportunity next week, as he hopes to seal an unlikely place in Germany’s European Championship squad this summer.

Mitchell Bakker: 6.5/10

Mitchell Bakker was given the nod ahead of Layvin Kurzawa, who was struggling with an injury. Although the young fullback could not offer too much going forward, he improved his defensive game by a significant margin. He did not take any risks, keeping things neat and tidy in the build-up play and transition.

Ander Herrera: 8/10

Ander Herrera started ahead of Leandro Paredes in a complete midfield overhaul for PSG. The former Manchester United orchestrated the game as well, being heavily involved in both the offensive and defensive department. His ability to recycle possession, in particular, helped PSG dominate this game while his offensive passing was also on point.

Danilo Pereira: 6.5/10

Danilo Pereira offered the grit to Herrera’s grace in the PSG midfield. The Portuguese international was a solid defensive outlet in the middle of the park for the hosts, winning multiple tackles. He also looked good with his offensive passing, helping his team create some chances going forward.

Angel Di Maria: 8.5/10

Angel Di Maria was one of the best performers in PSG’s win over Reims. The Argentine was heavily involved in the creative play, offering incisive movements in the final third, as well as producing useful passes behind the backline for Mbappe. He was rather unlucky not to score himself or indeed register an assist, as PSG were rather wasteful in front of goal.

Neymar: 8.5/10

Another player that impressed in the final third, Neymar benefitted from Reims’ going ten men. The PSG superstar started the game well too, calmly converting the early penalty to give his side the lead. Aside from that, his tricks and flicks were simply too much for the opposition, with the former Barcelona man also registering the assist for his compatriot Marquinhos’ goal in the second half.

Julian Draxler: 6.5/10

Julian Draxler’s night was cut short after the German picked up an injury that forced him out of the pitch just before half-time. It doesn’t bode well at all for the player’s chances of featuring in the upcoming Euros.

Kylian Mbappe: 8/10

Kylian Mbappe was a menacing presence for the Reims backline as one would expect. His pace, trickery and ability to make incisive runs in behind the backline made life difficult for the opposition. The Frenchman, though, was extremely wasteful in front of goal and should have even scored a hat-trick on his day. Instead, he scored just one, which, too, was gifted to him by Thomas Foket.

Substitutes

Rafinha: 6.5/10

Rafinha replaced the injured Draxler just before half-time. The Spaniard was not particularly extraordinary, but he did offer the creative essence in the final third without ever actually penetrating the opposition lines all by himself.

Moise Kean: N/A

Moise Kean scored a late goal after coming on for Mbappe in the 77th minute. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Leandro Paredes: N/A

A late replacement for Danilo. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Pablo Sarabia: N/A

A late replacement for Di Maria. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.

Timothee Pembele: N/A

A late replacement for Dagba. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.