Vitinha gave an outstanding performance during Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Dortmund on Tuesday, in the opening of the Champions League (2-0). Author of an assist for Achraf Hakimi, the Portuguese midfielder was named Man of the Match by UEFA. Enough to reward his rise in power since the start of the season.
A sincere and spontaneous greeting. The Parc des Princes stood to applaud warmly for Vitinha during his substitution ten minutes before the end of the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Dortmund, on Tuesday, in the opening of the Champions League (2-0). When making way for Kang In Lee, the 23-year-old midfielder thanked the crowd for the honour. The best he has had since arriving in Paris in July 2022. It must be said that the former Porto (recruited for €41.5 million) undoubtedly achieved his best result under the Parisian shirt against Borussia.
The owner of a shot against the post (19) and an assist for Achraf Hakimi (58), “Fetti”, who oscillated between the pivot and the left lane, was also named Man of the Match by UEFA. Enough to reward a convincing start to the season, which is gradually making him a regular among the French champions…
A tactical system that suits him
Luis Enrique arrived in Paris over the summer by installing his preferred 4-3-3 formation. A system that suits Vitinha’s qualities well. Positioned as a left relay player next to Warren Zaire Emery and opposite Manuel Ugarte, the Portuguese international (11 caps) has adapted perfectly to the Spanish coach’s instructions. His profile fits the philosophy of the former Barcelona coach, who asks his team to confiscate the ball and control the tempo of matches, by doubling up on passes and transitions. With constant movement, great pressure and attacking rhythm.
Comfortable in small spaces, the 1.72m right-hander seizes the opportunity to move between the lines and make himself available to his partners. His reliable control and dribbling quality allow him to get out of the most difficult situations. He also does not hesitate to project himself forward to bring danger to the edge of the opponent’s area, which was the least of what happened last season.
Freed from the departure of Neymar and Messi
The scene left its mark. During the defeat in Monaco on February 11 in the French League (3-1), Neymar beat Vitinha at the Stade Louis II. Very angry, the Brazilian particularly criticized the Portuguese for making a back pass instead of sending him along the touchline. With a dark look, big gestures and sharp words. A few weeks later, L’Equipe newspaper revealed a heated discussion between Vitinha and Lionel Messi in training after a severe clash.
Then the former Porto player found himself in the crosshairs of Neymar and Messi. Enough to put him under pressure in front of the two Parisian stars. The result: After a promising start to the season, the Santo Tirso native (in northwest Portugal) looked frantic and timid on the pitch for a long period. With no doubt about the fear of making a mistake. Since Nay and Bulga’s departure, Vitinia seems to have been liberated again. His attitude, risk-taking and performance are affected.
Ugarte’s defensive action
In the absence of a real opponent, Vitinha had to do a lot of defensive work when playing under Christophe Galtier. This is a charge that inevitably affected his contribution in the future. But since the appointment of Manuel Ugarte in the sixth position, the situation has changed. The Uruguayan does a tremendous job in midfield, with his anticipation, strong duels and frequent runs.
Its activity allows the relay midfielders to focus on creating the game and rotating the ball. Alongside 17-year-old Warren Zaire Emery, ‘Vette’ is finally making the most of his above-average talent. He also seems to get along great with his new playing partners. “The relationship that is created off the field also appears on the field, emphasizes Ugarte. It is very important that we get along well and this relationship will continue better with time. A note shared by Vitinha: “Our strength this season is unity and the way we all come together.”
Luis Enrique’s confidence
Once in office, Luis Enrique made him one of his main men. During the preparatory tour in Japan, the Spanish coach installed Vitinha in the midfield. By giving him his trust from the beginning. The opposite Lusitanian player responded by defeating Cerezo Osaka (2-3), before scoring a wonderful goal against Inter (1-2). A successful summer put him in good conditions to start the season with a new attitude. Especially since Paris did not sign a contract with its sector, after separating from Marco Verratti (Al-Arabi), Georginio Wijnaldum (Al-Ettifaq), Junior Dina Epembe (Frankfurt), Renato Sanchez or Leandro Paredes (Roma).
Digestive adaptation
At the dawn of his second season, Vitinha now looks fully integrated at Paris Saint-Germain. In interviews, the 23-year-old demonstrates impeccable French, which allows him to analyze matches with great precision. Even if he remains close to the other Portuguese (Nuno Mendes, Danilo Pereira, Goncalo Ramos), he has found his place among the French champions, with his reserved and respectful personality. The clear luxury that can be felt in his performance on the green rectangle.
