Achraf Hakimi reinforced his importance at Paris Saint-Germain with a stunning brace in Sunday’s 3-2 victory over Lyon, further cementing his status as one of the most dynamic players in his position this season.
Since the arrival of Luis Enrique as PSG’s head coach, the Moroccan international has thrived in a more liberated role, allowing him to express his attacking instincts with greater freedom.
This tactical adjustment has resulted in a standout campaign for Hakimi, whose offensive contributions continue to catch the eye.
However, not everyone is convinced by this evolution in his game. Football analyst Pierre Ménès has questioned whether Hakimi should still be considered a traditional right-back, given his highly offensive approach.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ménès remarked: “Hakimi the best right-back in the world? The problem is, I don’t see him as a right-back. Positionally, yes, but in terms of tactical expression, no. He is so offensive…”
Ménès believes Hakimi operates more as a wide attacker than a conventional defender, highlighting his attacking mindset and the tactical flexibility PSG affords him.
“He’s a player who pushes forward a lot, and we’ll see how that works against Liverpool. But right now, he’s in a very specific role, with a team built by Luis Enrique to give him maximum freedom in attack. That could be interesting,” he added.
This assessment raises a significant tactical question: how sustainable is this hybrid role for Hakimi, particularly in high-stakes matches? While his attacking output has been invaluable, PSG may need to strike a balance between unleashing his offensive qualities and maintaining defensive solidity against elite opponents.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how Luis Enrique will continue to utilize Hakimi in a system that allows him to shine without compromising the team’s defensive structure.
