Luis Enrique hails Achraf Hakimi as world’s best right-back after sensational PSG hat-trick

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has described Achraf Hakimi as the best right-back in world football following the Moroccan international’s outstanding performance in Friday’s 5-1 victory over Le Havre in Ligue 1.

The 27-year-old produced a remarkable attacking display, scoring three goals and providing two assists to help the French champions extend their winning run and strengthen their position at the top of the league.

Hakimi was directly involved in all five goals as PSG recovered from Josh Maja’s early opener to secure an emphatic away victory at the Stade Océane.

His performance earned glowing praise from Luis Enrique, who highlighted the defender’s consistency, attacking qualities and importance to the team.

“Hakimi is the captain. We know his qualities perfectly. He’s more of a striker. He plays higher, he has this ability to make calls and deliver assists,” the Spanish coach said.

“He’s clearly a striker when we have the ball. And when we don’t have it, everyone is a defender. He’s the best right-back in the world.”

Despite Hakimi’s remarkable achievement, Enrique insisted that his greatest satisfaction comes from the defender’s consistency rather than his individual statistics.

“But I’m not particularly excited to see him score three goals. What I like is seeing him constantly at the highest level, always ready. It means a lot to our team.”

The hat-trick was the first of Hakimi’s professional career and further demonstrated his attacking influence under Enrique, who has given the Moroccan considerable freedom to move forward and contribute to PSG’s offensive play.

Hakimi’s three goals and two assists also made him the first defender to register five goal contributions in a single Ligue 1 match since Opta began tracking the competition in 2006-07.

The victory extended PSG’s winning streak in all competitions to nine matches, while they moved two points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with 20 points from nine games.