With Lionel Messi unavailable to play against Troyes on Ligue 1 matchday 34 due to his reported suspension, Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier needed one player on the team to step up in the Argentine’s absence in the contest. Multiple players upped their game in PSG’s 3-1 win over Troyes, including Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike slotted into one of the two center forward spots upfront in PSG’s 3-5-2 formation against Troyes. The French forward did not record a goal contribution during his 80 minutes of playing time on the day, although he did create a pair of goal-scoring chances and also won two ground duels.
Galtier was pleased to see Ekitike put together a promising performance against Troyes.
“He was very useful on a collective level and in his positioning as well,” Galtier said during his post-match press conference. “He was very fair technically and gave a lot of effort. He worked for the team. He could have been happier with some shots. He gave a very good ball to Marco (Verratti) at the beginning of the second half.
“He was very interesting in a team structure that fits him. I am very happy because it is a difficult season for him. He is rewarded for the training sessions he does. He got this opportunity, and he took it very well.”
Ekitike has earned a start in nine of PSG’s Ligue 1 fixtures so far this season.
With Messi expected to miss PSG’s Ligue 1 home fixture against AC Ajaccio due to his reported suspension, Ekitike could be in line for back-to-back starts in league play.
