The Mayulu-Mbaye ‘children’ bring down from the clouds a Barça that was at the mercy of the plan designed by Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique pulled a magic trick out of his hat that nobody noticed coming, not even Hansi Flick, and the German – alongside along with his technical employees – had studied intimately all of the gamers that make up the squad of the present European champion. He failed the one in Heidelberg as a result of he was not capable of see how some 17 and 19 yr olds might mess it up in Barcelona.

The second day of the league section of the Champions introduced collectively two golf equipment that might effectively be on Might 30 on the Puskás Enviornment in Budapest and, regardless of the losses that Paris Saint-Germain had in assault, they had been as soon as once more deadly with two gamers… unknown.

Ibrahim Mbaye (January 24, 2008) and Senny Mayulu (Might 17, 2006) dynamited the unprecedented protection put ahead by Flick. Whereas the middle ahead scored his second purpose of the season – the primary within the Champions League – the 17-year-old winger drove Koundé loopy first after which Gerard Martín.

When Barça was taking part in finest, Nuno Mendes began a counterattack that Mayulu completed executing completely, getting forward of Cubarsí and imposing his bravery towards the momentum of the Barça full-back to forestall him from establishing his leg.

He did not get it. The French ahead made his European debut towards final yr’s semi-finalist and the primary particular person he went to rejoice with was his good friend Mbaye, who left Montjuïc empty-handed when it comes to targets and assists, though he gave a efficiency on the sidelines.

Luis Enrique’s tips

On August 16, 2024, Mbaye made historical past by turning into the youngest participant to start out for PSG, at simply 16 years, 6 months and 23 days, surpassing Warren Zaïre-Emery’s report.

Luis Enrique’s guess turned out completely. The winger contributed to his crew’s 4-1 victory over Le Havre within the first sport of the season. The Parc des Princes was already excited a couple of younger boy who had simply shone through the preseason.

Within the pleasant towards SK Sturm Graz he fulfilled his dream of scoring his first purpose carrying the shirt of his dream crew. His versatility provides a variety of sources to Luis Enrique that he is not going to waste.

And if the Asturian likes one thing, it’s the involvement of all his gamers in defensive duties and that’s exactly what the younger Mbaye provides him, whom he doesn’t hesitate to reward every time he can.

Mayulu’s expertise

“Mayulu has quite a lot of degree. You may already know him. He brings collectively many issues. He can play inside, outdoors, he hits with each legs… I am very fortunate,” Luis Enrique acknowledged on the finish of the match towards Barça.

And the Frenchman is the participant with the “good profile” for the fashion of play that PSG performs, as Lucho himself has acknowledged. He debuted on January 7, 2024 and simply two weeks later he scored his first purpose as an expert.

Nonetheless, an important second of his profession was when he scored the fifth purpose within the victory towards Inter Milan within the Champions League remaining. With a 90% passing accuracy within the eight video games performed this season, Mayulu has managed to make his means into the Parisian squad.

Regardless of the casualties, PSG has managed to hold out probably the most troublesome match performed up to now: towards Barça, in Montjuïc and with Doué, Dembelé and Kvaratskhelia injured. Nonetheless, with the emergence of Mbaye and Mayulu, Luis Enrique doesn’t appear to be very apprehensive. The way forward for the Parisian crew appears to be in good arms.