Achraf Hakimi: Proving His Worth Beyond Real Madrid at PSG

Achraf Hakimi: Proving His Worth Beyond Real Madrid at PSG

Hassan Abdulsalam 15:29 - 29.12.2023

Achraf Hakimi's journey at PSG thus far is a story of a player who has seamlessly adapted to a new league and team, bringing his unique skills and attributes to the forefront.

Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan international and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender, has made significant strides since joining PSG in July 2021.

His journey at PSG is marked by notable achievements and a display of his skills beyond his previous stint at Real Madrid.

Early Days at PSG and Rapid Impact

Hakimi joined PSG in July 2021 and quickly became a key player. Celebrating his 100th match with PSG in December 2023, he contributed significantly with 13 goals and 16 assists across all competitions. This milestone underscores his importance in the team's setup and consistent performance on the field​​.

Statistical Overview of the 2023/2024 Season

Hakimi's performance stats in the 2023/2024 season are impressive. He has an average rating of 7.55 in Ligue 1, ranking 20th out of 131 players in his position. His contributions include four goals and seven clean sheets in 20 games, playing 1714 minutes. His defensive and offensive skills are well-balanced, showcasing his versatility as a right-back​​.

Achraf Hakimi
Paris Saint Germain fullback Achraf Hakimi gifted Toulouse a late PK. (Photo Credit: Imago) Achraf Hakimi

Specialization and Playing Style

Hakimi is renowned for his progressive dribbles and successful passes, particularly to the final third of the pitch. He is ranked first in Ligue 1 for progressive dribbles and successful passes to the pitch's last third. These stats highlight his effectiveness in building up attacks and creating opportunities for his team. His agility, speed, and technical skills make him a formidable presence on the right flank​​.

Highlight Performances

In one of the standout performances, Hakimi played a crucial role in PSG's victory over Marseille in 'le Classique'. He was involved in significant goals and showcased his skill with free-kicks and crosses, adding a new dimension to PSG's attack. His ability to create chances and his attacking mindset have been pivotal in many of PSG's key victories​​.

Recognition and Awards

Hakimi's excellence has not gone unnoticed. He was one of the three finalists for the 2023 African Ballon d'Or, a testament to his outstanding performance and contribution to football at both the club and international levels. This nomination places him among the elite African players in the world​​.

Contribution to PSG’s Strategy

Under the guidance of coach Luis Enrique, Hakimi has found new vigour in his playing style. He's been involved in all offensive movements of the team and has shown a natural understanding with teammates like Ousmane Dembélé. His ability to adapt to different roles on the pitch, whether in defence or attack, has been crucial for PSG's strategy. His stats of ball recoveries, successful dribbles, and defensive interventions underline his comprehensive contribution to the team's success​​.

Achraf Hakimi

Conclusion

Achraf Hakimi's journey at PSG thus far is a story of a player who has seamlessly adapted to a new league and team, bringing his unique skills and attributes to the forefront.

His performances have justified PSG's faith in him and helped him carve out a reputation as one of the most dynamic and effective defenders in modern football.

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