How Adrien Rabiot Can Force His Way Back into the Paris Saint-Germain Side

Potential is a dangerous word in football, and when it comes to Paris Saint-Germain’s Adrien Rabiot, it is a word that has followed him since he was very young. There comes a moment in a young player's career when potential has to be fulfilled rather than being something to mask over a lack of productivity and consistency.

Rabiot, before the end of this season, will have opportunities to play a part in Laurent Blanc’s Parisian midfield, but the 19-year-old has to step out of the shadow of his potential and show what he is actually capable of, not what he might be able to accomplish.

Last Friday night, under the lights of the Eiffel Tower, Rabiot turned a lovely flick of his right foot into a superbly weighted pass over the top of the Rennes defence, perfectly into the path of Javier Pastore. The Argentinian fed Ezequiel Lavezzi, and the former Napoli man provided the finish to one of the best team moves of the season.

One small moment of magic from Rabiot showed exactly what he is capable of, but that would be the highlight of what turned into a disappointing performance. Blanc took the midfielder off after 56 minutes.

Michel Euler/Associated Press

Rabiot made a surprise debut back in 2012, when the 17-year-old was named as a starter for Carlo Ancelotti’s team against Bordeaux. It was only the third week of the season. After just six appearances for the first team, with that being his only start, Rabiot was loaned to fellow Ligue 1 side Toulouse.

This was the perfect move for the teenager—he was able to start 12 games for Le Tefece—and he showed he could play and impress in Ligue 1. It helped build his reputation, and you could see the development of his game.

Last season, it was always going to be difficult for Rabiot to break into Laurent Blanc’s three-man midfield, no matter his ability or potential. Rabiot was behind Marco Verratti, Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta. All three enjoyed superb seasons, both domestically and on the European stage. The teenager made 24 league appearances, but at an average of 47 minutes per game.

Yohan Cabaye made the move to Paris 12 months ago, further diluting Rabiot’s chances. He only played the full 90 minutes twice after Cabaye’s arrival, with the majority of his outings coming once PSG had the title wrapped up.

During the summer transfer window it was believed that due to a lack of playing time and advice from his mum/adviser, he would make a move away from France. No longer was a loan deal within Ligue 1 good enough for Team Rabiot.

Seemingly out of nowhere, news emerged from Paris at the start of November that Rabiot had signed a new deal for PSG. Speaking to Foot Mercato (via ESPN FC), Blanc was happy to end the speculation:

"

There was a difficult situation for everyone. For him, undoubtedly, and for us too. We got to a stage where it was difficult to imagine a happy ending for everyone. Finally, we did manage that, because he signed for four more years. It's a very good thing for him and for PSG.

The development of his situation led him to sign a four-year contract with PSG. After that, he joined the squad and is available, if I wish to use him. It gives me an extra player, which is not a bad thing. And he's also a boy I like a lot.

"

Thibault Camus/Associated Press

Since signing the new deal, Rabiot has played a part in seven out of the 10 league games that PSG have played. He started in the Champions League game against Ajax and had a small cameo in the Coupe de la Ligue victory over Saint-Etienne.

With the winter transfer window now closed, and Rabiot still at PSG till at least the end of the season, it is time for the 19-year-old midfielder to show that he is good enough to shine under the gaze of the Eiffel Tower.

Fitness and form issues surround Thiago Motta, Cabaye is still to impress consistently in a PSG jersey and, this season, Matuidi has not been the influence he once was. Rabiot has the opportunity to rise quickly up the ranks and show Blanc and the Parc des Princes faithful that he can be the future of the club.

Potential can only take you so far until questions are asked. It is now time for Rabiot to take his performances to the next level, and with more time on the pitch, if he can find consistency, he will have a great chance to force his way into the PSG midfield for the foreseeable future.