Désiré Doué’s brutal response

This summer, Paris Saint-Germain has definitively turned the page on Kylian Mbappé. And as Nasser Al-Khelaïfi announced a few years ago, “ the stars and the glitter, it’s over in Paris “. The residents of the Parc des Princes want to rely on a collective rather than on individuals. They also want to rely on young talents from France and abroad. During the last summer transfer window, they got their hands on João Neves, snatched from Benfica for a check for 69.9 million euros (with bonus). NAK and its teams also put their hands in the wallet for Désiré Doué. Courted in Germany, where Bayern Munich made eyes at him, the star of Stade Rennais finally said yes to Paris.

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The French champions paid 60 million euros for him. A very big investment, but the Parisians were sure to have made a big dent. But Doué’s debut in the capital did not really live up to the hopes and money placed on him. Not very sharp when he came into play, the Frenchman, who was used in different positions, often had waste in his game. He even sometimes seemed lost on the field, as during his match against Toulouse at the end. of the month of November. Something to worry about. On the club side, Luis Enrique supported the player, visibly lacking confidence and automatisms with his new team. But the Asturian also admitted that he expected more from him.

Doué responded on the ground to his detractors

« Doué is a high level player for the future. He needs the right mentality to help the team. It’s possible that his ideal position is in the middle and not as an attacking player, but I’m trying to awaken in him the desire to understand how to play in several positions. It is true that we would like everything to go faster and for him to consolidate himself as an important player, but it is a path. It’s obvious he would like to play more. But I believe he is a player of the present, but above all of the future. » A message which was perfectly heard by the main person concerned. On the bench last night against Salzburg in the Champions League, Doué made a good start in the 66th minute of play in place of Gonçalo Ramos.

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And he stood out since he delivered a decisive pass to Nuno Mendes in the 72nd minute (2-0). Then, he put on the scoring costume in the 85th, well served by Achraf Hakimi (3-0). A goal that counts, because it is Doué’s first in the colors of PSG. And he had to wait before finding the net again, having not scored since April 13, 2024 against TFC. At that time, he was still playing in Rennes. Author of one hell of a debut, the 19-year-old player has finally convinced in Paris, where he has a record of one goal and two assists in 16 appearances in all competitions. Last night, Luis Enrique admitted to being happy for his player.

A recruit finally launched?

« For me, during the last three matches in which he took part, Désiré Doué helped make our overall performance better through his performances. Today he was exceptional in attack and defense, in a position that is not his, as number 9, but I am very happy with his last three games. I have said it since day one: he is a player in whom we have great confidence. » The main person concerned was over the moon. “ We are very happy. We approached this match with the right state of mind. It feels good, especially since the objective is to perform. When I go on the field, it’s to help my teammates. »

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Then he added: “ a new role for me? New role, no, because in training I am used to playing in this position. We try to create movement to create good opportunities. The most important thing is that I must continue to work. If I don’t score, I have to be good at the game. It’s not just about goals and assists. » But last night, Désiré Doué, who never thought of leaving PSG, proved that he was capable of scoring and delivering assists. Which is very important for a PSG that is less offensively effective this season.