Paris Saint-Germain defender Mitchel Bakker has all the makings to be the team’s regular starting left-back down the road. Bakker showed his prowess as a left-back in the team’s duo of domestic cup final wins last season and is now carrying over that momentum into the new campaign with several promising performances.
Now-former Ajax U18 manager and Jong Ajax assistant coach George Ogararu worked with Bakker during his time with the Dutch club. Even then, Ogararu knew the stout potential that Bakker had into soon becoming a talent who would feature for a notable team, whether with Ajax or another club. Ogararu spoke to France Football about Bakker and his initial thoughts about the defender when he worked with him a few years ago.
“Mitchel is a very fast player with an impressive physique,” Ogararu said. “Already at the time, he was very developed. At 17, he played without problem with the U21s. I think he will have no problem integrating into a physical championship like Ligue 1.”
Ogararu believed that Bakker’s move to PSG was a good step in his career. The club has provided him with opportunities to prove his worth so far.
“I was not surprised that he signed for PSG because he is a good player,” Ogararu said. “Paris presented him with a very interesting project and Ajax must regret it. It was a great hope, he was already over the top for his age.”
With defender Juan Bernat out of action due to injury, Bakker is currently receiving playing time as the starting left-back for the team. He is slated to make his next start for the team in its upcoming away league fixture against Stade de Reims.
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