PSG Kicks Off Season with 4-1 Win; Hakimi Shines in Right Wing-Back Role

Involved from the start of the match, Hakimi, bronze medalist at the 2024 Olympic Games with Morocco, started the match in a right wing-back role, where he was able to showcase his offensive qualities. According to Footmercato, who gave him a score of 6.5, the Moroccan full-back was "one of the main architects of PSG’s convincing first half". Indeed, in the early minutes, Hakimi often found himself in a position to bring danger down the right flank, frequently finding his teammates with precise crosses.

Among the highlights of his performance, we can note a millimeter-perfect cross for Kolo Muani just before the half-hour mark, an action that could have resulted in a goal if the French striker had not hit the crossbar. Maxifoot, who also gave him a 6.5, points out that "his understanding with Lee was very interesting", adding that his cross for Kolo Muani was "very well felt".

However, Hakimi’s performance was not without criticism. 90min.com gave him a 6, noting that he was "in good shape for this first match of the season", but also pointing out that "the Parisian defender’s projections logically left spaces in his back, which were sometimes exploited by the Havrais".

This lack of defensive coverage was noted by several observers, but overall, Hakimi’s performance was deemed satisfactory. Le Parisien gave him a 6, mentioning that he had been "little worried on the defensive level" and that he had been "very prominent offensively in the start". Similarly, Parisfans, who gave him a 6, described his performance as a "good return after a summer with no real vacation", adding that Hakimi "must of course gain momentum".

Achraf Hakimi’s performance in this opening match reflects good physical condition and offensive involvement that brought danger to the opponent. However, to be fully effective, the Moroccan full-back will have to, according to the sports press, ensure that he does not neglect his defensive duties. Hakimi has therefore started the season on a positive note, but he probably knows that he still has room for improvement to reach his best level under Luis Enrique’s orders.