With several regular starters either left out of the squad entirely or relegated to the bench, Leandro Paredes was handed the captain’s armband as Paris Saint-Germain faced Pau FC (National) in the Round of 16 of the Coupe de France.
🏆🇫🇷 Captain-for-the-day Paredes strikes to put @PSG_English in front of @PauFootballClub in the @coupedefrance Round of 16.#PFCPSG
📺 – beIN SPORTS
💻📱- https://t.co/LRYa03w6yI pic.twitter.com/q0PEXtSfav— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 29, 2020
In the 25th minute, the Argentine would reward Tuchel for his decision by scoring the opening goal of the game.
On a less-than-ideal pitch, Paredes found himself in the right place at the right time.
Mauro Icardi chested down a pass into the box and Paredes picked up the loose ball with a delicate first-touch that freed up enough space for him to smash a shot past the Pau goalkeeper.
Paredes had been included in some transfer rumors earlier this month but that has quieted down with his improved play. When Marco Verratti and Idrissa Gueye are rested, the 25-year-old is typically the next man up.
With no major incoming transfers expected, an in-form Paredes could be a nice surprise for Tuchel as he heads into the most important part of the season.
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