PSG’s Hakimi Shines in 3-1 Win Over Rennes Despite Defensive Lapses

Deployed as a right-back in Luis Enrique’s system, Hakimi often left his flank to project himself very high on the pitch, almost in a number 9 position at certain moments of the match. This freedom of movement was highlighted by 90min.com, who gave him a rating of 8/10, emphasizing his particular role in the offensive transitions: "The Moroccan full-back was one of the most active Parisian players of the evening. Projecting himself sometimes much higher than all his teammates, he occupied the role of an additional striker." This mobility almost earned him two goals, stopped by the crossbar and an offside position (19th and 48th minutes).

From the first minutes, Hakimi showed himself to be threatening. In the 4th minute, he could have been the decisive passer for Marquinhos, ultimately flagged offside, before seeing his own shot deflected onto the bar in the 20th minute. Footmercato gives him a rating of 7, saluting his ability to transform into a "fourth attacker" and his offensive influence. His contribution to the Parisian game materialized with an assist in the 68th minute for Bradley Barcola’s second goal, an action that symbolizes his performance.

This decisive gesture was unanimously recognized by the observers. Maxifoot notes that the Moroccan international "combined well with his teammates and created danger", while Parisfans (6.5/10) congratulates him for finally being "decisive" after a first half marked by some clumsiness.

While Hakimi was an undeniable offensive asset, his defensive contribution raised more reservations. Footmercato mentions "a missed clearance in the area" in the 23rd minute, a moment of hesitation that could have been costly. Maxifoot also points out a certain irregularity in the player’s defensive interventions, even if "on the whole, he was serious". Le Parisien (7/10) also reproaches him for a slight lack of efficiency in the final gesture: "Dembélé did not serve him (18th), before finding the bar a minute later."

Achraf Hakimi was undeniably one of the strong men of PSG in this match, playing a key role in the construction of Parisian attacks. His ability to project himself forward, coupled with his volume of play, allowed the capital club to maintain pressure on a Rennes team often cornered. Despite some defensive errors, Hakimi has proven, once again, that he is much more than just a right-back.