Bayern’s Pavard Claims Defensive Superiority Over Hakimi, Sparks Online Backlash

"It’s true that on paper, Pavard is maybe less sexy than Hakimi or Arnold (Trent Alexander), but I find that defensively, I’m more complete," said Benjamin Pavard in an interview with Canal Football Club on Canal+.

The Bayern Munich player, who believes he deserves more respect from French supporters who criticized his performance for the national team against Spain in the Nations League, couldn’t find a better idea than to compare himself to Achraf Hakimi, now considered one of the best right-backs in the world.

To read: PSG Star Hakimi Sparks Immigration Debate with Comments on Muslim Community in Paris

Internet users reacted strongly to Pavard’s comments. "Please @BenPavard28 avoid comparing yourself to @AchrafHakimi. There is a world between you two," tweeted one of them. "Even injured, Hakimi is 10 times more complete than Pavard," mocks another.

In terms of performance, Pavard’s statistics are far from those of the Moroccan international of Paris Saint-Germain. This season, Hakimi has already made 2 clearances, 6 aerial duels and 23 tackles, compared to 0 clearance, 1 aerial duel and 2 tackles for Pavard.