PSG Player Ratings for Ligue 1 Opener

Last Saturday, PSG opened the Ligue 1 season at home against Lorient. In a game that looked to be a catastrophic opening after the first half, PSG was able to muster up a draw against the visitors.

With all the expectations weighing on this team, critics have been quick with harsh analysis. Fans have been left to hope this is the growing pains of a club gelling, and many point to the players missing as the reasons for the perceived slip.

The following is my personal rating for each PSG player from the Lorient game.

Defense

Goalkeeper: Douchez

Douchez had one of those nights where he really did not have a lot to do, but was the focal point for a few opportunities. He could not be blamed for either goal (the first an own goal), and did produce some fine saves when needed.

Grade: 8.0 / 10

Maxwell

Maxwell had a tough night. His own goal in the 4th minute was unlucky, but gave Lorient the one thing PSG did not want them to have, confidence. He buckled down a little better throughout the match, but overall was average at best.

Grade: 6 / 10

Alex

Alex's play was a microcosm of PSG's play in the first half. It appeared they were stuck in low gear, and were somewhat disinterested. His experience was sorely needed especially with Silva not playing, and he left me disappointed with the organization of the defense. His second half was better, and fans better hope he picks his game up before the Champions League.

Grade: 6.5 / 10

Sakho

The former captain and fan favorite was solid for much of the night. His play was not inspiring, but it was an improvement over the struggles he had the second half of last season. If he continues to get minutes, a return to the high-end form expected of him could be in the cards, but this night was a good start to his season.

Grade: 7.0 / 10

Jallet

The French international and captain was solid on the night, but was caught out on more than one counter attack. After halftime, he looked more focused, and put together a very good second half.

Grade: 7.0 / 10

Midfield

Verratti

The young Italian was given his first PSG start and showed some of the skills that have people buzzing. He also showed some of the inexperience that you would expect from a 19-year-old. He will be much better with time, but tonight the young man was not on the same page as his mates.

Grade: 5.5 / 10

Chantome

Chantome was another surprise starter for PSG, and looked just as surprised in many moments on the field. The midfield combination PSG started the game with did not have a good understanding of each other, and Chantome was partly to blame. Not a bad night, but another average grade.

Grade: 6.0 / 10

Bodmer

As stated before, the starting midfield combination had their difficulties in remaining linked up in attack. Whether this was nerves, or lack of playing time together, one could venture to guess. Bodmer would find himself subbed for before the 60 minute mark bringing an end to his ineffective night.

Grade: 5.5 / 10

Forwards

Ibrahimovic

The Swedish star overcame a slow first half with a second-half showcase. Scoring both of PSG's goals to earn them a tie, including slotting home a penalty in the dying minutes. Overall a good performance, but when you consider the expectation level, I have to deduct for the sub-par first half.

Grade: 7.5 / 10

Lavezzi

One of the other signings with big expectations, Lavezzi shared in many of the ails of the PSG attack. The understanding, and chemistry is not there yet. Lavezzi was able to put pressure on Lorient's defense, and was more dangerous during a more inspired performance after the break.

Grade: 7.0 / 10

Menez

Jeremy may have had his international suspension on his mind, or was still suffering from Euro lag during the first 20 minutes. He finally seemed to begin to find his feet in the first half, but was unable to make a true impact prior to his substitution in the second half.

Grade: 6.5 / 10

Bench

Matuidi

Matuidi came off the bench and was very engaged in the game from the moment he stepped on. His run at the defense brought the penalty call that gave PSG the tie. He seemed more in tune with the rest of the attack, helping it to continue pressuring Lorient till the end. Very effective in the short time he played.

Grade: 8.0 / 10

Gameiro

Nothing spectacular, but nothing awful either. Gameiro did not have much time to make an impact, and basically served as another pedestrian by the night's standards.

Grade: 5.5 / 10

Nene

The Brazilian came on and helped put pressure on Lorient with a few darting runs, but failed to get the breakthrough we are so used to seeing from him. For a longtime starter, he did come off the bench fairly well and brought more pace from the midfield.

Grade: 7.0 / 10

Coaching

Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti was making due without three starters in Pastore, Silva and Motta but the team was not ready to play from the opening whistle. Ancelotti did wake his team up at the half and made some solid second half moves to get his team a point.

Grade: 7.0 / 10