Achraf Hakimi is a top-class player,growing in maturity – Luis Enrique

Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique heaped praise onAchraf Hakimi, one of his team’s standout players, during a pre-match press conference ahead of their Champions League showdown against PSV Eindhoven.

The Spanish manager highlighted Hakimi’s improvement, noting that the Moroccan full-back has made significant strides in his game.

“He’s becoming more well-rounded, especially on the defensive side. Hakimi is an elite player with vast experience and serves as a reference for his teammates,” Luis Enrique said. “I think he’s more mature compared to last season, and that reflects his development.”

Hakimi’s pivotal role at PSG has made securing his contract extension a top priority for the club. A graduate of Real Madrid’s academy, the versatile defender’s stock has only risen over the years, making him a coveted asset for any major European team.

His leadership on the field was further solidified when he was named captain of the Moroccan national team.

At just 25 years old, Hakimi is entering a new phase of his career, with recent accomplishments including a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with Morocco’s U23 team. The full-back has become a central figure for both club and country.

Born in Madrid in 1998, Hakimi began his football journey in the youth ranks of Real Madrid, making his first-team debut under Zinedine Zidane. He was part of the squad that claimed the UEFA Champions League title in 2018.

Following a two-year loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, he moved to Inter Milan, where his performances helped the club secure the Serie A title in 2021.

PSG signed Hakimi in 2021, and he has since played a critical role in their domestic dominance, helping the club secure Ligue 1 titles in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

On the international stage, Hakimi has been a key figure for Morocco, featuring in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Luis Enrique, a veteran of both Spanish and European football, took over the reins at PSG in July 2023.

With an illustrious coaching career that includes a treble-winning season at Barcelona and a stint as Spain’s national coach, Enrique now aims to bring PSG to the pinnacle of European football.