Ranking and Grading PSG's Players on Champions League Performances so Far
Paris Saint-Germain's 3-1 win over Ajax at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday was enough to keep the French side top of UEFA Champions League Group F going into the final matchday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored his first goal of the competition while Edinson Cavani's double continued his excellent goalscoring form.
"1-0 (33') Edinson Cavani becomes Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer in the #UCL. His 13th goal makes him surpass Walter Pandiani's 12
— Infostrada Sports (@InfostradaLive) November 25, 2014"
PSG were flattered by the 3-1 victory. Davy Klaassen's excellent diving header levelled the scores in a period where Les Parisiens had once again taken their foot off the gas, something that has been far too common this season.
Ibrahimovic's wonderful turn and volley surprised everyone in the ground and sparked PSG towards the three points.
"31 - @PSG_inside are unbeaten in their last 31 home games in European competition, the longest run of any French club in history. Princes.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 25, 2014"
PSG's 1-0 win over APOEL on Matchday 4 was the club's 31st home European game in a row without defeat, equalling the record set by Ipswich Town. Tuesday's win sets a new record, something for Laurent Blanc to be proud extremely proud of.
Here are ranks and grades for all of PSG's players that have been used in Champions League action so far.
*All of PSG's Champions League statistics included in this piece thanks to WhoScored.com
Squad Players Not Receiving Grades
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In September, Paris Saint-Germain submitted a 21-man Champions League squad to UEFA—per the official UEFA website—but a couple of those players have failed to feature in the opening five games.
As such there is no grade for Nicolas Douchez, Serge Aurier and Zoumana Camara on this list.
In addition, with Clement Chantome and Lucas Digne featuring for less than 25 minutes, they too have been omitted from the scoring.
17. Yohan Cabaye
2 of 18
The former Newcastle United midfielder has only played 43 minutes in three substitute appearances this campaign, and after the calf injury he picked up against Metz, we might not see him again in 2014.
Yohan Cabaye’s influence has been minimal this season, but PSG will need him fit and confident when the knockout stages begin next year.
Grade: D-
16. Adrien Rabiot
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The 18-year-old midfielder wasn’t named in PSG’s original squad list, but after signing a new contract at the club, Adrien Rabiot will now play a part in future matches.
His start against APOEL was only his second this season and first in the Champions League. Playing in the deep-lying role wasn’t ideal, but he would have been glad just to get the minutes.
Rabiot’s performances will grow as he gets his match sharpness back in the next few weeks.
Grand: D
15. Jean-Christophe Bahebeck
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Young Jean-Christophe Bahebeck has had a small part to play in PSG’s campaign so far. Injured for the visit of Ajax, his longest cameo came against APOEL in the Parc des Princes when he played the last 12 minutes.
However, his biggest moment came in Nicosia when he played a huge part in Edinson Cavani’s late winner. It showed he can make a difference in this star-studded team.
Grade: C-
14. Ezequiel Lavezzi
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Injury and a lack of form has hampered Ezequiel Lavezzi’s early Champions League form, but after making his return against APOEL on Matchday 4, he helped PSG to victory over Ajax on Tuesday night.
Put through on goal by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lavezzi was unselfish in serving the ball on a plate for Cavani to open the scoring.
The energy the Argentine brings to the attack will be vital going forward. The more Blanc can get the player back to playing at 100 percent, the better chance PSG have of going far in this competition.
Grade: C
13. Thiago Silva
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Ruled out of the Ajax game on Monday, it means Thiago Silva has only played in two of PSG’s Champions League games so far. The first was away against APOEL in Cyprus where he looked to be lacking match sharpness.
Two clean sheets against the Cypriot side helped settle him back into the side, but the Brazilian has been far from his best.
Blanc will need Silva back and playing well before the final group game against Barcelona.
Grade: C+
12. Maxwell
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This was meant to be the season when Maxwell was slowly replaced by Digne on the left side of the defence, but so far the Brazilian has played every minute in all of PSG's five group games.
Digne has had to play a cameo role, consigned to letting Maxwell rest during league fixtures. He is as evergreen as always and provides PSG with a calming influence at the back.
If Les Parisiens want to go deep in this competition, they need the 33-year-old to maintain this level, which will mean more league appearances for the understudy.
Grade: B-
11. Thiago Motta
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The more experienced of the two Italian midfielders, Thiago Motta was an ever-present up until the Ajax home game on Tuesday night.
When PSG come up against some of the bigger and better Champions League sides, Blanc will count on Motta’s experience and ability to hold on to the ball.
You may not notice him when he’s there, but you notice his absence when he’s not. As shown against Ajax on Tuesday night.
Grade: B-
10. Blaise Matuidi
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Despite not being at his best since returning from the World Cup and recently playing with a hand injury, Blaise Matuidi is still a crucial part of the PSG midfield engine.
His goal against Barcelona sealed the historic victory in Paris. His desire never to give up and push PSG forward is as important as the passing and defensive duties supplied by Marco Verratti and Motta.
Grade: B-
9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Ajax is the only team that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has played against so far in the Champions League. He was mostly frustrated in Matchday 1 but got his revenge on Tuesday night, scoring his first goal of the competition.
"463 - Zlatan Ibrahimovic has put an end to a run of 463 minutes without scoring in all comps with PSG. Comeback.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 25, 2014"
Not satisfied with a simple tap-in, Ibrahimovic’s chest control set the ball up as he turned and fired it low into the corner. It was the perfect goal to announce his return in Europe’s elite competition.
Grade: B-
8. Marquinhos
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With Marquinhos on the pitch, PSG have conceded four goals this campaign. In just three games, this may seem a lot, but the young Brazilian has performed superbly. Without him, PSG would not be top of Group F.
With Thiago Silva and David Luiz only able to play together in two of the five games, Marquinhos is a more-than-able backup who has been PSG’s saving grace this year.
If there was any doubt in his ability, you just need to re-watch his amazing last-ditch clearance against Barcelona. If PSG win the group, they can look back on that crucial moment and thank Marquinhos for his superb positioning.
Grade: B
7. Salvatore Sirigu
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Italian shot-stopper Salvatore Sirigu has conceded four goals in five games, with only Lasse Schone’s free-kick in Matchday 1 perhaps partly because of PSG’s No. 1 goalkeeper.
Even in that game, he quickly made up for it, saving low from a second Schone effort to keep the scores level. He will come up against tougher tests, and he will likely up his game when that time comes.
Grade: B
6. Gregory Van Der Wiel
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One of six ever-presents in the PSG side this campaign, Gregory van der Wiel has gone from strength to strength under Laurent Blanc this campaign.
He set up Matuidi for PSG’s third goal against Barcelona, his powerful low cross finding the midfielder. He also picked out Cavani for his game-winning goal against APOEL in Paris.
As PSG get their first-choice forwards back to fitness, the Dutch defender will be crucial is setting up opportunities for them.
Grade: B
5. David Luiz
14 of 18
There was a lot of pressure on David Luiz to justify the €50 million price tag when he made his Champions League debut. The excellent performance against Barcelona, including the opening goal, silenced some doubters.
However, his best moment came against APOEL on Matchday 3 when, with the game tied at 0-0, the Brazilian headed a clearance off the line. The vital three points that Luiz helped PSG to in Nicosia will be crucial in helping his side to first place in the group.
Grade: B
4. Marco Verratti
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The young Italian started PSG’s first three group games but has missed the last two through injury. There is no doubt that Marco Verratti has been missed, but he will be more important come the knockout stages when they need to battle to keep the ball.
It was a surprise to everyone, including Verratti himself, when the diminutive midfield popped up at the back post to score against Barcelona. If PSG can win Group F, that header will be been a huge factor in the overall standings.
Grade: B
3. Lucas Moura
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With the injuries to Ibrahimovic and Lavezzi, Lucas Moura has taken his chances this season and has looked an integral part of PSG’s starting XI.
He made his return to the team for the 3-1 win over Ajax, coming on in the closing stages. Lucas was crucial in the win over Barcelona; he terrorised the Spanish defence, giving Jordi Alba a horrible time at left-back.
For all his excellent performances, he has yet to score and only has the one assist so far. But you have to believe his numbers will only get better as the competition progresses.
Grand: B+
2. Javier Pastore
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It is surprising that Javier Pastore’s first assist came on Tuesday night against Ajax. His dinked pass picked out Ibrahimovic, but the Swede had a lot to do to turn it into a goal.
Pastore was superb in the win over Barcelona. The Argentina put in a great performance, full of effort, drive and the sort of character that has been missing for the last few seasons.
Wherever Blanc plays him, Pastore is rising to the challenge. Long may it continue.
Grade: B+
1. Edinson Cavani
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Earlier in the campaign, Edinson Cavani looked like a striker bereft of any confidence, but now he has five goals in five games and is leading the PSG attack as they go into the knockout stages.
"6 - @ECavaniOfficial has scored in each of the last six competitive games he has started with PSG. Shape.
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) November 25, 2014"
Pouncing on Niki Zimling’s horrible back pass, Cavani rounded Jasper Cillessen to secure the 3-1 win. It was great to see as he looked miles away from the striker who missed a number of good chances against Barcelona on Matchday 2.
Having Ibrahimovic back in the team will only help Cavani find space and time in the final third, and with his confidence back, that can only spell good things for Blanc and PSG.
Grade: A-
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