Luis Enrique says PSG star is ‘best in the world’ ahead of Arsenal clash

Luis Enrique has picked out Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha as the best midfield player in world football ahead of the side’s Champions League semi-final with Arsenal.

Vitinha has established himself as an integral member of a PSG team which has earned widespread praise and experienced a marked shift in ethos since Enrique charge in 2023.

The 25-year-old has started all but one of PSG’s matches en route to the last four of Champions League, while also being a near ever-present throughout the club’s Ligue 1 campaign this term.

The 25-year-old has been a near-ever present throughout the club’s Ligue 1 campaign this term and has started all but one of PSG’s matches en route to the last four of the Champions League.

It represents an incredible rise for a player who failed to pull up any trees across a largely unremarkable loan spell with Wolves in the 2020/21 season.

Barring injury, the Portugal international will be expected to start next week when PSG travel to north London for first leg of what promises to be an intriguing contest with Arsenal.

First, though, PSG play host to Nice at the Parc des Princes and Enrique is not taking the match lightly, despite the fact his side successfully defended their title with victory over Angers earlier this month.

The champions are yet to be defeated in the French top flight and Enrique hopes to use the clash to help build ‘confidence’ and momentum heading into Tuesday night’s showdown at the Emirates.

‘Records aren’t our primary goal, titles are,’ Enrique told reporters this afternoon.

‘If I was assured that losing to Nice meant we would reach the Champions League final, I would sign immediately.

‘But since no one can guarantee that, and we’re an ambitious team, and since we’re capable of beating the record [of unbeaten runs in the league], I think it’s important for our confidence to go into Arsenal giving 100 per cent.’

On Vitinha’s influence, Enrique added: ‘He’s one of the best players in the world in his position, without a doubt.

‘I don’t see a player better than him in midfield.

‘I could be wrong, but I’m wrong quite rarely.’

Earlier this week, Enrique said his side would ‘prepare the same way’ for Arsenal’s set-piece threat as they would when up against any other team they are facing.

Asked again about Arsenal’s strength in this area today, Enrique responded: ‘I don’t plan on working in any more detail on set-pieces because I’ve known Arsenal for a very long time and we’ve already faced them this season.

‘The qualities and flaws that have brought us this far are the same.

‘We want to win every trophy by playing the way we play and by defending the way we do.

‘There is no team in the world that is perfect and we won’t be either.’

Enrique believes the trials and tribulations PSG encountered in the league phase of the Champions League have benefitted his players in the knockout rounds.

‘There’s been a lot of growth in the team, which was very young last year,’ he continued.

‘This year, we’re coming in with more foundation and more poise.

‘Having had such a difficult Champions League phase made us better.

‘Now we’re already French champions, but there are still other goals, like the Champions League.

I’m sure we’ll see a great PSG and tomorrow’s match against Nice is a good opportunity.’

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