PSG is embracing a youth-driven approach this season, with players like Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho at the forefront. Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Lens, the Ligue 1 leaders are showcasing a transformed lineup, marked by young talents instead of the star power of recent years. The departures of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe have paved the way for players in their teens and early 20s to take center stage.Key figures in this lineup include 18-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery, 20-year-old Joao Neves, and 22-year-old Bradley Barcola. Notably, Zaire-Emery, Neves, and Desire Doue have all been nominated for the 2024 Golden Boy award, a prestigious honor presented by Italian newspaper Tutto Sport to the top under-21 player in Europe.Best pass success rate in Ligue 1 this season:◎ 95.4% – Marquinhos◎ 95.0% – Willian PachoPSG dominance 😏 pic.twitter.com/fHw0Qjdhvh— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) October 31, 2024 In a recent interview, Pacho, who arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt over the summer, expressed excitement about forming a defensive partnership with veteran PSG defender Marquinhos.”I was dying to play with him. It’s like a childhood dream, I’ve been watching him play for years in the Champions League,” he said.”I’m learning a lot from him, he’s an experienced player and a good guy.”I am going to work and learn so I can achieve my dreams.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8456968##Pacho, who signed from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer, said it was laughable to suggest that Ligue 1 is somehow easier than the Bundesliga or other European leagues.”Oh no, it’s really difficult. Especially because our opponents change the way they play when they meet us.” said the Ecuadorian.”It’s very tactical, you have to really have your wits about you.”Following a commanding 3-0 victory over Marseille, PSG goes into their match against Lens three points ahead of Monaco, who play Angers on Friday.
