The Parisians recorded a second friendly victory in Japan, thanks in particular to a very good Kylian Mbappé /
Third friendly match and third victory for PSG this Saturday once morest the Urawa Red Diamonds. Lined up with a largely overhauled XI at kick-off, Les Rouge et Bleu needed a few minutes before taking the game on their own to win thanks to goals from Sarabia, Mbappé and Kalimuendo. Here are the lessons to be learned from this meeting, eight days before the Champions Trophy once morest Nantes.
Kylian Mbappé is gaining momentum
The only member of the trio of offensive stars to start (Messi and Neymar entered on the hour mark), the tricolor world champion raised a roar several times in Saitama Stadium. By his accelerations and his dribbles, the n°7 made the defense suffer, like this high-class action on the left side concluded with a goal from a tight angle. His first goal of the season at the heart of a remarkable performance.
A balance always to be found
As in the two previous games, the Parisians were aligned in 3-4-1-2. And as once morest the Kawasaki Frontale in particular, they were regularly put in difficulty on the opposing offensive transitions, the defensive trio finding themselves several times left to themselves. Fortunately, like Donnarumma three days ago, Keylor Navas was particularly inspired on his line.
Mauro Icardi not yet up to speed
Undesirable and on the start this summer, Mauro Icardi will not have really increased his rating on the transfer market during this meeting. Surprise holder alongside Mbappé and Sarabia, the Argentinian had the opportunity to show himself, but he was never really in the rhythm of the match, until his exit half an hour from time for Leo Messi .
The promises of Warren Zaire-Emery
Among the rare “Titis” invited to take part in this stay in Japan, Warren Zaire-Emery benefits from a good dose of confidence on the part of Christophe Galtier. Lined up from the start, the young prodigy offered 70 very interesting minutes, before giving way to Vitinha at the end of the match. A nice omen on his integration with the pros this season? Also established in the right lane, Dina Ebimbe also showed himself to his advantage, even believing to score his third goal, finally refused for a prior offside from Bernat. A fine followingnoon for the youngsters from the centre, since it was finally Kalimuendo, who had already scored three days ago, who came to close the scoring.
Le turn over continue
Eleven changes and no player who will have played the entire meeting. As since the beginning of this preparation, Christophe Galtier and his staff give everyone playing time, especially since the next match is scheduled for Monday, once morest Gamba Osaka. Verratti back, the Marquinhos-Ramos-Kimpembe trio on the lawn for the last 20 minutes, Messi and Neymar launched on the hour mark… The Japanese public was once once more able to enjoy all the stars of the squad French champions.
