Even though his first Paris Saint-Germain game took place over 200 days after his previous competitive match, Sergio Ramos looked every bit like the player who was Real Madrid’s star performer for well over a decade.Many were fearing that Ramos’ playing days are over after a string of injury setbacks. But his determination and ability allowed him to get back to fitness and get playing for his new club. In a match where PSG overcame Ligue 1 basement side Saint-Etienne with a rather unspectacular performance and lost Neymar in the process, Sergio Ramos was arguably the best player on the pitch.Sergio Ramos vs Saint-Etienne 95 passes94% accuracy7/9 long balls110 touches5 Duels won2/3 tackles2 interceptions6 recoveriesFirst match in 6 months btw🤯 pic.twitter.com/aOy45vm9SB— 𝐕 (@vintagewhites) November 28, 2021 In their player ratings in the game’s aftermath, Le Parisien praised the veteran centre-back for his composed display.”With his experience he makes everything look easy.”Ramos played the full 90 minutes alongside captain Marquinhos and won 5 of the 7 duels in which he had to intervene. He’s also had a 94.1% pass accuracy. He was also very precise in the long balls that served to quell the rival’s pressure, hitting 7 of the 9 he tried. Simply put, it was as if he hadn’t been out for over six months.##NAJAVA_MECA_6008908##It was a long-awaited moment for the natural-born winner who isn’t used to spending time on the sidelines.”Going back to playing and feeling like a footballer, I really needed that. Emotionally, it is very positive for me, especially with a victory and the three points. I really wanted to get back to helping my team.”French influential sports daily L’Equipe wrote that Ramos’ confidence in possession gave freedom to midfield players.”With Danilo and Gueye in the middle they could have had many problems in the creation, but Ramos showed great authority with the ball at his feet. His reading of the game helped his midfielders to find unmarked teammates.”Adding a real spark of energy to that @PSG_inside dressing room 😎 @SergioRamos pic.twitter.com/J3OJKsbPxF— 433 (@433) November 29, 2021 Always optimistic but cautious about his physical condition, French newspapers even speculate on the possibility of a change in Mauricio Pochettino’s system. The Argentine now has the option of fielding Ramos in a formation with three at the back – alongside Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos. Whatever his decision should be – he’ll be thankful to have the 2010 World Cup winner at his disposal – finally!
