Rating PSG’s French Players on Their Performances This Season

When QSI arrived in France, one of their aims, as well as to turn Paris Saint-Germain into a European powerhouse, was to keep—or improve—their French identity.

When you look at the starting XI, with Thiago Silva as captain, Marco Verratti and Thiago Motta patrolling the midfield and a front three of Lucas Moura, Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani, it would be easy to think they had slipped away from the original plan.

In the last France squad, Didier Deschamps picked four PSG-based players for the games against the Netherlands and Belarus. Add in one of their summer signings and a young midfield pretender and PSG’s home spine looks intact. But how are they performing this season? Let’s take a look:

   

Alphonse Areola

Patience has paid off for the 23-year-old shot-stopper, and it now looks like the former Bastia and Lens loanee has won the No. 1 jersey at the club.

After Kevin Trapp began the season as the club’s starting goalkeeper, Areola, since the UEFA Champions League fixture with Arsenal, has been consistently picked between the posts by Unai Emery.

Alphonse Areola: The Paris Saint-Germain Youngster Breaking the Mould https://t.co/CrUQiyqUBk

— PSG Talk (@PSGTalk) October 26, 2016

Known for pulling out the odd spectacular save, he was instrumental in the win in Bulgaria against Ludogorets. While he may not have had anything to do against Marseille, you feel secure, almost comforted, knowing that when something does happen, Areola will be there to save the day.

Grade: B+ — Very promising

   

Blaise Matuidi

After a busy summer at Euro 2016 and a possible move to Juventus on deadline day, Matuidi took a few weeks to find his feet in the capital. It took him until Week 4 to start a game, and he has still found himself on the bench now and again. In the Champions League, however, he showed his importance.

Starting as a left-winger against Arsenal, he managed to add protection and attacking threat, showing Emery just how important a player he could be, regardless of the system or philosophy.

His goal against Ludogorets was vital in their 3-1 away win; it came when they were struggling and showed his ability to step up when needed.

Rumours will come around again, now at the age of 29, and there will be a decision to be made if they want to sell. But until they replace him, he will always play an integral role in this squad.

Grade: C+ — A core player

   

Adrien Rabiot

After an impressive showing last term, Rabiot may have believed he had risen in …

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