Lucas Beraldo delivered a remarkable match during PSG’s victory at Real Sociedad on Tuesday in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League (1-2). Enough to delight the 20-year-old Brazilian, aligned in central defense alongside Lucas Hernandez.
Coaches generally avoid fielding two left-handers in central defense. But Luis Enrique took this risk during PSG’s victory at Real Sociedad on Tuesday in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League (1-2). In the absence of Marquinhos, Danilo Pereira (physically diminished), Milan Skriniar and Presnel Kimpembe (in the infirmary), Lucas Hernandez moved to the right axis and Lucas Beraldo took the opportunity to return to the left axis, his preferred position. After struggling in a full-back role during the first leg three weeks ago at the Parc des Princes (2-0), the 20-year-old Brazilian delivered a much more accomplished performance in San Sebastian.
Despite his lack of reference points with Lucas Hernandez and Nuno Mendes, established on his left following his recent return from injury, Lucas Beraldo was particularly calm on the Anoeta turf. His sense of positioning often allows him to cut crosses and anticipate deep calls behind his back. Solid in the duel, he imposed himself physically once morest Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo and Sheraldo Becker. With excellent timing in the aerial game.
The player who won the most duels
More confident, the former Sao Paulo player (recruited this winter for 20 million euros), also admired his quality of recovery. His precise and strong passes regularly broke Real’s first line and allowed PSG to launch interesting actions. One of them is also at the origin of Kylian Mbappé’s second goal on an opening from Kang-in Lee (56th). Proof of his impact, Lucas Beraldo is the player who won the most duels in this meeting (9), while also making the most interceptions (4).
“I feel really good, but it’s not just me, it’s the whole team who succeeded in fulfilling their role very well, reacted the person concerned on the website of the capital club. Everyone managed to execute well what the coach proposed to us and we managed to get the victory. I’m very happy to play in the Champions League and now to be able to play in the quarter-finals is a dream come true.”
Called up for the first time for the Brazil team
After a timid start in the red and blue jersey and failed repairs in the left lane, Lucas Beraldo gives the impression of gaining strength in the central hinge. Since his arrival, he has played twelve matches, including ten as a starter (six times in the center and four times on the left). Enough to push Dorival to call him up for the first time in the Brazil team in order to prepare two prestigious friendlies once morest England (March 23 at Wembley) and Spain, March 26 at Bernabeu).
Last month, the new Seleçao player received encouragement from his compatriot Marquinhos. “I know it’s very difficult to come from Brazil, you have to adapt to the style of play, to the new coach, to the new house, to the cold. He arrived and adapted very quickly,” said the Parisian captain. I am very happy, the confidence the coach gives him is the result of his work. He has the opportunity to play. He is doing very well, with a lot of personality and shows why PSG went to look for him at Brazil”.
