Lionel Messi dropped a masterclass as Paris Saint-Germain secured a resounding 5-1 win over defending champions LOSC Lille.
Paris Saint-Germain returned to winning ways on Sunday by securing a thumping 5-1 victory over defending champions LOSC Lille. The three points help them maintain their healthy lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table while serving as a morale-booster ahead of their upcoming matches against Stade Rennais and Real Madrid.
After a shocking exit from the Coupe de France, PSG were in the mood to dominate as they utilised the gulf in quality between the two sides to make life difficult for the Lille players. Although the game was largely even at the start, the visitors started to exhibit their quality when Danilo Pereira opened the scoring in the tenth minute.
Although Sven Botman equalised brilliantly just before the half-hour mark, PSG restored their lead soon afterwards, with Presnel Kimpembe scoring from a set-piece in the 32nd minute. Six minutes later, Lionel Messi scored only his second goal in Ligue 1 by chipping the ball over Ivo Grbic, giving his side a firm 3-1 lead heading into half-time.
In the second half, Danilo managed to get on to the scoresheet yet again with his long-range effort before Kylian Mbappe applied the final finish by finding the back of the net in the 67th minute.
Here, at the Hard Tackle, we will take a closer look at the Paris Saint-Germain players in their comprehensive victory over LOSC Lille this weekend.
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 6/10
Gianluigi Donnarumma had to remain alert even though there was a dearth of clear cut scoring opportunities for LOSC Lille. He came to the fore when required but wasn’t quite able to deny Botman’s equaliser in the first half.
Achraf Hakimi: 6/10
Returning to the starting eleven for the first time after his participation in the AFCON, Achraf Hakimi offered the much-needed thrust going forward. His forays down the flanks made it easier for the attackers to maintain pressure on the opposition, though the right-back lacked the solidity defensively.
Good job team!!! ???? @PSG_inside pic.twitter.com/ykky8P3nC5
— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) February 6, 2022
Marquinhos: 7/10
Marquinhos was a rock at the back, as usual, at the heart of the PSG defence. His game-reading ability, coupled with his experience was crucial in helping the visitors minimise the threat of Jonathan David.
Presnel Kimpembe: 7.5/10
Presnel Kimpembe offered good defensive support to Marquinhos in the PSG backline. His aggression was particularly useful in keeping the Lille attackers at bay, while the centre-back also scored the important second goal shortly after the hour-mark.
Nuno Mendes: 7.5/10
Nuno Mendes produced an excellent display in the left-back position. The youngster offered speed and tenacity on the flanks, helping out the attackers with his marauding runs into the opposition half. He wasn’t troubled much defensive either, keeping tabs on both Timothy Weah and Zeki Celik.
Danilo: 8/10
Danilo was one of the best performers in this comprehensive victory over Lille. The midfielder looked very assured in possession, barely conceding any turnover while helping out in the second line of press by retaking the ball on several occasions. But it was his offensive movements that caught the eye, with the Portuguese international being at the right place at the right time to bag the opener before a long-range effort in the second half.
Gift wrapped for Danilo Pereira! ?
Handed to him on a plate by Lille goalkeeper Ivo Grbić ?
You can't afford to make mistakes like that against PSG. pic.twitter.com/RUDDWm4UFe
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 6, 2022
Leandro Paredes: 7/10
Leandro Paredes was offered a rare starting opportunity ahead of Ander Herrera. The Argentine operated in a more defensive role when compared to the likes of Danilo and Marco Verratti. He played his role well, offering security in possession and winning multiple turnovers in the middle of the park.
Marco Verratti: 7.5/10
One of the most in-form players in Ligue 1 this year, Marco Verratti produced yet another solid display in the PSG midfield. His ability to carry the ball around half-spaces made him a very effective outlet on the transition. Moreover, the midfielder linked up well with teammates in the final third, leading to multiple goalscoring chances.
Angel Di Maria: 6/10
Angel Di Maria was one of the few players who struggled to make an impact against Lille on the night. The winger lacked the incision in the final third, often getting isolated in the final third. He made way for Julian Draxler at half-time.
Lionel Messi: 9/10
Lionel Messi was the star of the show in PSG’s win over LOSC Lille. The Argentine ace rekindled his form, emerging as the spark in the PSG attack with his ability to dribble past defenders at ease and create goalscoring opportunities. Although his only goal of the game came in a rather fortunate manner, Messi deserves credit for his overall impact on the proceedings, including the assist for the Kimpembe goal.
Messi has now scored a goal in:
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022Eternal ♾️ pic.twitter.com/pFWClkILMp
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 6, 2022
Kylian Mbappe: 7/10
Kylian Mbappe wasn’t as effective as Messi in the attack. He was selfish with his game, at times, and there was a dearth of groundbreaking runs in behind the backline. Nevertheless, the Frenchman was a constant threat due to his speed and dynamism in the final third and deserves credit for his brilliant goal in the second half.
SUBSTITUTES
Julian Draxler: 6.5/10
Julian Draxler offered more ideas in the final third after coming on for Di Maria in the second half. The German international can only get better as we head towards the deep end of the second half of the season.
Thilo Kehrer: N/A
A late replacement for Kimpembe. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
Xavi Simons: N/A
A late replacement for Paredes. Did not play enough to warrant a rating.
