Nuno Mendes Thrives at PSG with Eyes on World Cup Glory
Nuno Mendes may not dominate the spotlight amid Paris Saint Germains array of talent but his dynamic surges along the left flank have shone so brightly for the current European title holders that he could now be considered among the elite full backs globally.
The 23 year old Portuguese star shared with AFP during a chat at the teams training facility near Paris I view myself as a solid full back though I hesitate to claim the top spot.
This term the left back has netted three times and provided three assists across 11 outings with a goal and assist in the recent 7 2 Champions League triumph over Bayer Leverkusen plus a stunning advance to assist Senny Mayulu for the leveller in the 2 1 victory against Barcelona.
Currently only Moroccos Achraf Hakimi might rival Mendes form and he holds down the right back role in Luis Enriques PSG lineup.
Mendes and Achraf are performing well yet its truly a collective push and footballs fortunes can shift rapidly Mendes noted regarding their and the squads ongoing achievements.
PSG claimed the Champions League crown for the first time last year and lead the European table after three matches this season.
They also head Ligue 1 prior to their upcoming away game at Lorient fresh from reintegrating Ballon dOr recipient Ousmane Dembele post hamstring issue.
Mendes expressed his delight in playing for PSG part of an exciting youthful squad where Dembele stands out as the prime figure after clinching the Ballon dOr via his scoring prowess last campaign.
I am genuinely happy for Ousmane Mendes added emphasising that team triumphs outweigh personal aspirations for the sports top individual honour.
Impeccable
PSGs present surge stems from a strategic shift by the Qatari backed clubs management including the exits of star attackers Kylian Mbappe Lionel Messi and Neymar from 2023 to 2024 alongside prioritising eager young talents eager to establish themselves.
Mendes joined Paris aged just 19 at the onset of the 2021/22 season starting on loan from Sporting where he had secured the Portuguese championship the prior year under Ruben Amorim.
The transfer became permanent in 2022 for around 40 million euros 46.5m and he nears 150 outings for the French outfit.
Mendes credits Luis Enrique who took over as manager in 2023 for elevating his offensive prowess.
Initially my defensive game needed work though I always had speed in attack Luis Enrique spotted this and bolstered my backline skills allowing me to excel in both areas now Mendes explained having begun as a left winger in Sportings academy.
I aim for equilibrium in my forward play resting when necessary The manager excels in his role and not solely for me.
Luis Enrique has instilled versatility in us which we will retain regardless of his future or ours.
As Mendes gains from Luis Enriques guidance so does Portugal as they gear up for next years World Cup just one victory needed from matches away to Ireland and hosting Armenia next month to confirm finals qualification.
I have much to refine but currently I see no major weaknesses or errors in my game Mendes reflected after assisting Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugals recent Lisbon stalemate with Hungary.