Leandro Paredes came to Paris Saint-Germain after the capital club paid a €40-million transfer fee to FC Zenit Saint Petersburg for the midfielder. The Argentina international was more of a rotational player, which caused some to wonder if Les Parisiens overpaid for the player.
However, under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, Paredes seems to be flourishing under the Argentine tactician’s first few fixtures. Since Blaise Matuidi and Thiago Motta’s departures, PSG has long searched for their replacements to play alongside Marco Verratti.
Paredes seems like a long-term fit to compliment the Italy international in PSG’s midfield. Luis Ferrer, supervisor-recruiter of PSG from 2009 to 2020, who created his sports management agency, discussed how Pochettino understands Paredes well and knows how to use his qualities during an interview with Le Parisien.
“At the time, with Antero Henrique, we were looking for a recovering training environment. But finding the right profile isn’t as easy as buying mayonnaise at the supermarket. Rather than favoring the position, we opted for a player who had the PSG level. Leo had the technique, the vista, a big ball striking, perhaps he lacked just a little cue and condition,” Ferrer said.
“As Poche says, PSG players are not middle-distance runners. The important thing is not to run in a vacuum, but to run smart, to cover the ground. I have the impression that Leandro has passed this step. It remains for him to overcome the following: become a must, as are Navas or Marquinhos. As an Argentinian, Pochettino knows Paredes very well. It’s ideal for passing messages, building confidence, and knowing how to best use it.”
The French giants have relied heavily on Verratti in the midfield, but now it seems that Paredes is turning into a prominent figure under Pochettino.
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