In the absence of Neymar and Lionel Messi, these five players stepped up for PSG

Ranking PSG's 5 best players in 2-1 win against Angers | Ligue 1 2021-22

#3 Danilo Pereira

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Due to the absence of key players, Danilo Pereira was handed a rare start by Pochettino against Angers. The midfielder did impress with his performance though, scoring the equalizer for PSG. Pereira was on the receiving end of Kylian Mbappe's cross to bring PSG back on level terms against Angers.

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The Portuguese midfielder was perfect at his job in the defensive half of midfield but also showed his attacking prowess at times. Pereira looked calm and composed on the ball, rarely giving the ball away to his opponents and eventually making his mark on the match.

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Pereira's partnership with Marco Verratti and Ander Herrera was not at its best as the midfield trio rarely played alongside each other. But there is no doubt that if the Portuguese keeps up his good performance, he could be a bonus for Pochettino.

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#2 Ander Herrera

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Like his teammate, Danilo Pereira, Ander Herrera also grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Solid in midfield, Herrera kept causing problems for the Angers defense with his teasing balls to PSG forwards. The former Manchester United midfielder was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet last night.

Great comeback to start the weekend the best way possible 😀 @PSG_English
2:40 AM · Oct 16, 2021
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Herrera was decisive with his passing and movement into the final third. The Spanish midfielder's sublime cross to Kylian Mbappe was a golden opportunity which failed to yield dividends. Herrera kept marching forward just to see his goal ruled out due to offside just before the break.

The Spaniard kept creating problems for Angers in the second half, with his shots just missing the goal at times. Despite not getting a goal or an assist, Herrera's efforts made him one of PSG's best performers of the night.


#1 Kylian Mbappe

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In the absence of superstars Lionel Messi and Neymar, Kylian Mbappe had to be the one to steal the show. PSG relied upon Mbappe to deliver the goods and the French forward did help his team collect all three points.

Mbappe and Hakimi after Mbappe’s game-winning penalty 😎
2:21 AM · Oct 16, 2021
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Mbappe was not at his very best, as evident from a quiet first half. It was hard to keep someone of his caliber quiet throughout the match, however, and Angers paid the price.

First, Mbappe set up a goal for PSG with a brilliant and accurate cross which led to Danilo Pereira's equalizer. The French giants were awarded a controversial penalty in the 87th minute and Mbappe kept his calm to slot the ball into the net. With a goal and an assist for PSG, Mbappe ended up being the best player on the pitch as the Parisians currently hold a nine-point lead atop the Ligue 1 table.

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Edited by
Aakanksh Sanketh
 
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