Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique trivialized comparisons between Achraf Hakimi and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid, and both recognized as elite players, but reserved special praise for the Moroccan.
While fans and experts continue to debate the lead between two of the most exciting full-backs of football, the Spaniard has chosen to leave the focus of rivalry and instead emphasize appreciation.
“Well, I am not a fan to analyze or compare players, because here in this competition all players are of top quality, no doubt about that,” Enrique told the media.
“But at the same time I have to say that (Achraf) Hakimi is without a doubt one of the best right backs that I could not only train but also look in my career.
“It is very nice to have those players in my team. I could also add the left back, Nuno Mendes; the same top, top level. It is really a pleasure to have the opportunity to manage them.”
Both players will be against each other on Wednesday while Real Madrid is confronted opposite European champions in their search for the FIFA Club World Cup final, where the Premier League side Chelsea awaits.
Hakimi has been a dynamic presence in the team of the Parisians and played a crucial role in Ligue 1 and the successes of the club and Champions League, and helps the team to help reach the semi -final of the Club World Cup.
Impressive, the 26-year-old right back has added 26 direct target contributions this season (11 goals and 15 assists), the highest ever recorded by a defender in a single campaign, which exceeds the previous record of Dani Alves.
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, has also played an excellent season, played a key role in Liverpool's Premier League triumph and confirming his status as one of the world's best right backs before he makes his switch to the LaLiga Giantants.
Enrique also remained away from discussing the teammate of Alexander Arnold, Kylian Mbappe, for the semi -final. The French star left PSG on a free transfer last summer after a long-term contractsaga, eventually at Real Madrid in a movement that left the Ligue 1-club frustrated.
“This is a question about the past and I am not here to talk about the past, I only think about the future,” Luis Enrique said at his press conference for the competition.
This could mark the first meeting of Mbappe with PSG since his 2024 switch to Real Madrid. In particular, he still has to register or help with one of his four previous performances against his former club; Most has ever confronted with a single team without contributing to a goal in his career.