Achraf Hakimi: The Best Right-Back Balancing Defense and Attack for PSG

Paris Saint-Germain has demonstrated that collective strength is paramount in the quest for a title as prestigious as the UEFA Champions League. Every player contributes to both defensive and offensive tasks, proving that the best ball recoverer might not always be the expected name.

While Achraf Hakimi is widely recognized for his offensive prowess, it is easy to overlook that his primary role is to maintain defensive solidity. On Thursday, Opta revealed that the Moroccan international has reclaimed the most balls for PSG this season, with a total of 277 recoveries across 48 matches.

Modern full-backs often face criticism for their defensive performances, yet Hakimi exemplifies that it is possible to defend effectively while also contributing to the attack. This dual capability arguably positions him as the best right-back in the world today, especially when compared to players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, who frequently comes under scrutiny for similar issues.

A less flattering statistic

Unfortunately for Hakimi, he also holds the record for the most ball losses among PSG players this season, with a staggering 654 turnovers. This statistic, however, reflects his immense activity level on both ends of the pitch, contributing to what has been a remarkable season. Many consider him the best full-back globally, alongside his teammate Nuno Mendes.