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Ever since Lionel Messi was unveiled at PSG's Parc des Princes, the most searched term on the internet has had to be — "When will Lionel Messi play for PSG". Well, the wait is over and PSG's star man from this year's summer transfer window made a cameo in the Parisians' away game at Reims in game week 4 of the 2021-22 Ligue 1 season.
However, the fans will have to wait to witness the deadly Neymar-Messi duo as the Argentine came in for his dear friend Neymar in the 66th minute. By winning 2-0 away from home against Reims, PSG have picked up the maximum points from their 4 games since the start of the new season.
The 9-time Ligue 1 champions maintain the top spot comfortably. Barring a couple of scares, the Parisians enjoyed domination over most of the game. Even though Reims tried to hurt PSG in the best way possible, lack of possession didn't give them many opportunities.
Without further ado, here is a look at the
5 best players for PSG against Reims in Ligue 1 game week 4
#5 Keylor Navas
Standing between the sticks for PSG, the former Real Madrid shot-stopper did his best to grab a clean sheet. Though PSG dominated the game and were evidently going to bag the three points, it was Keylor Navas's fine performance that handed them a clean sheet.
The Costa Rican had his eyes open throughout the 90 minutes and parried away a couple of shots that penetrated through PSG's last line of defense.
Just minutes before the half-time, Reims forward Ilan Kebbal sent one firing into PSG's goalpost, however Keylor Navas exhibited supreme composure to grab it between his gloves comfortably.
He was also called into action by Van Bergen with an effort from a tight angle. However, the PSG number 1 came to the rescue once again.
#4 Idrissa Gana Gueye
Placed at the heart of Mauricio Pochettino's 4-3-3 setup, the Senegalese midfielder aced his position during the entirety of the game. Majorly taking up the role of defensive midfielder, the former Everton man aided his team up front with constant ball distributions.
He also played an important role in the counterattack that led to Kylian Mbappe's second goal. From running into the opposition's box to cutting them out in his own half, Idrissa Gana Gueye certainly made life difficult for the Reims players.
He even had two shots fired towards the target, only to be blocked by Reims defense.
#3 Angel Di Maria
A nightmare for Reims' back four, PSG winger Angel Di Maria made sure he exploited the right flank to the fullest. His dribbling skills left the opposition defenders twisting and turning cluelessly for most of the evening.
Striking venom in the 16th minute itself, Angel Di Maria slotted in a dangerous delivery with pinpoint accuracy to find the head of Kylian Mbappe, who converted effortlessly. The Argentine dominated the opposition during the early stages by leading the proceedings into the final third.
The former Real Madrid number 11 calmed down during the second half and maintained a balanced style of play before making way for Julien Draxler in the 81st minute.
#2 Achraf Hakimi
Linking up with Angel Di Maria on the right side of the turf, Achraf Hakimi wreaked havoc in Reims' final third. Even though he takes care of the defense from right back position, Hakimi also operated as an attacker in the match for PSG.
Taking charge of his team's high pressing, the Moroccan international put the home side under immense pressure.
With PSG's centre-backs Marquinhos and Thilo Kehrer holding the fort, Hakimi was able to milk every opportunity he got by running into the final third to try and aid his forwards. The former Real Madrid fullback crucially assisted Mbappe's second goal of the night.
Despite being a new arrival at PSG (also the only non-free transfer from this year), Hakimi looks well set already.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
The star of the evening undoubtedly has to be Kylian Mbappe. His brace helped PSG see the game through without breaking much sweat.
The French international had never scored a header for PSG ever since he signed for the Parisians in 2017. However, the 22-year-old has now scored 2 headers in the last two games.
Being in the right place at the right time helped the former Monaco forward fire past Rajkovic twice and steal the limelight with his fine performance on the night.
PSG are favorites to grab the Ligue 1 trophy this time after losing out to Lille last season. With the firepower that they possess, the Parisians are also favorites to win the UEFA Champions League trophy this season.
Latest arrivals Lionel Messi and Georginio Wijnaldum have made their debuts for PSG. The world is now eagerly awaiting the much-anticipated debuts of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Sergio Ramos introduction.
