Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes has spoken candidly about his recent performances against Mohamed Salah in the Champions League round of 16.
While the Portuguese left-back was lauded for his solid defensive displays and maturity, Mendes remains focused on establishing a long-term legacy at the highest level.
The 22-year-old full-back had a challenging yet impressive task in facing Salah, widely regarded as one of the best wingers in the world.
Throughout both legs of the round of 16 clash, Mendes effectively neutralized the Egyptian’s threat, with his disciplined defending, precise clearances, and active involvement in PSG’s attacking transitions.
Despite being thrust into such a high-pressure role, Mendes delivered performances that displayed his growing maturity and confidence.
“I had two good matches on a personal level, it’s true,” Mendes acknowledged when questioned about his individual performance by UEFA. “But they were only two matches.”
This humble statement underlined the full-back’s desire for consistency, highlighting his drive to be judged on sustained performances rather than isolated incidents.
Nuno Mendes has just done one of the most difficult things in football and stopped Mo Salah not once, but twice. 🔒
His stats across both legs:
21/26 duels won
12 tackles
12x possession won
10 clearances
3 interceptions
5/6 take-ons completed
2 blocks
1 foul conceded
1… pic.twitter.com/ZEwBsgvS9t— Squawka (@Squawka) March 11, 2025
Mendes further clarified his ambition: “I think you can’t stop there, especially when you want to stay at the highest level.
I want to be evaluated over full seasons.” His measured outlook reflects a player who is not content with temporary success but is instead focused on long-term progression.
With 11 appearances and two goals in this season’s Champions League, Mendes has shown his value, particularly in crucial fixtures.
His impact has extended beyond mere statistics, with his presence in key games solidifying his place in PSG’s system under manager Luis Enrique.
As a modern full-back, Mendes is adept at balancing both defensive solidity and offensive contributions, meeting the demands of top-level European football.
Against Liverpool, the young defender demonstrated that he thrives in high-stakes encounters.
His ability to remain composed under pressure, defend with authority, and drive forward with purpose made him stand out.
This blend of defensive acumen and attacking intent has become the hallmark of Mendes’ game, and his performances have earned him recognition as one of the premier left-backs in Europe.
Under Luis Enrique’s tactical guidance, Mendes has flourished. The manager’s emphasis on technical precision and versatility has allowed the Portuguese international to grow in confidence, positioning himself as a crucial figure in PSG’s evolving strategy.
Champions League matches allow you to grow because you’re playing against very high-level opponents who can take advantage of the slightest mistake,” Mendes said, acknowledging the steep learning curve.
𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥, 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 : 𝗡𝗨𝗡𝗢 𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗦 𝗔 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘́ 𝗠𝗢 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗛 🥵 pic.twitter.com/DX7cjPU3Gg
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) March 12, 2025
As he continues to develop, Mendes knows that talent alone is not enough to reach the pinnacle of his career.
The journey from a good player to a great one requires not only skill but also an unwavering work ethic, humility, and a commitment to improvement.
For Nuno Mendes, his performances against Salah may have put him in the spotlight, but for him, this is just the beginning of what he hopes will be a stellar career with PSG and beyond.
