PSG have some of the most talented players in their squad. They signed some of the best players from all across Europe over the years and this star-studded team is chasing glory. One player who arrived at this Parisian club is Achraf Hakimi. One of the most-rated right-backs in the world, Hakimi is a gem in that position. He has a very attacking mindset and carries a similar threat as a winger.
The 25-year-old graduated from Real Madrid’s academy and has also played for the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. This is Hakimi’s third season at PSG and he has been a creative force down the left side for the French team. Let’s look at his stats that show why Hakimi is rated as one of the best right-backs in the world.
The above viz shows the percentile rank of Hakimi in comparison to other right-backs in Tier 1 of league football. His positioning has been great but the attacking involvement is much better. If we ignore the defensive stats, as PSG are an attacking side, we can observe that Hakimi is ranked at thee top for scoring goals, creating them and even keeping the ball possession.
Support to Dembele
Ousmane Dembele has been a key signing down the right flank for PSG. The Frenchman likes to take on defenders and create opportunities for his team. Hakimi’s assistance from the right creates more opportunities for PSG. The Moroccan likes to take on defenders and penetrate the opposition penalty box with his runs. He often runs past the defenders to score a goal or create one for his teammate.
These attacking positions have allowed Hakimi to deliver four assists in the current season. The player attempts nearly four passes to the opposition penalty box per 90 minutes and delivers 55% of these passes. He even creates more than one-shot assist opportunities in every match. The above viz shows that Hakimi has landed the ball in a dangerous attacking area and is likely to add more assists in the remaining season.
The full-back can also score goals and already has four to his name. He can hit long-range screamers and can convert free-kicks as well. Most of the shots have been attempted from outside the box.
Good attacking players are likely to recover the ball in dangerous attacking areas. Hakimi has managed to make 27 recoveries in the final third. A few of these recoveries have led to a shot within the next 20 seconds after recovering the ball.
Overall, Hakimi has been one of the consistent performers for his side. He is scoring and creating goals for his side. The team aims to win the UEFA Champions League and Hakimi will play a crucial role in this.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
