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Former PSG Player Highlights Vitinha as Luis Enrique’s Key Midfield Maestro
A former PSG player gives insights into one of the key cogs in Paris’s collective machine.
Vitinha: the indispensable maestro of PSG’s midfield
Four years and a couple of months since he joined Paris Saint-Germain, **Vitinha has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the French club’s ambitions**. The Portuguese midfielder, alongside Fabian Ruiz and João Neves, now plays a pivotal role as the main orchestrator in the midfield of the Red and Blue.
Despite **Luis Enrique’s reputation for not playing favorites**, the Spanish coach appreciates the performances of his number 17. Internally, Vitinha is seen as the embodiment of the tactical philosophy Enrique advocates, which is evident from the significant playing time he is granted.
Luis Enrique’s reliance on Vitinha
For the past three seasons, Vitinha has consistently been among the top players utilized by Luis Enrique. This consistency makes him an essential part of executing the tactical principles of the 56-year-old coach. His significance extends beyond tactical roles, as former PSG player Édouard Cissé explained in a conversation with a renowned French sports outlet.
Replacing Vitinha is a daunting task for Enrique and his team. **”Luis has attempted to manage without him but finds the flow less seamless,”** Cissé mentioned. **”There’s no ‘Vitinha Junior’ yet. While new players may emerge, someone with similar skills is crucial for ball distribution, tempo management, and decisive plays.”**
The rarity and value of a unique talent
Cissé emphasized the uniqueness of Vitinha’s role. **”Such a player is rare. During my time, midfielders were often overlooked, but they are crucial for team balance and stability,”** he stated. **”He keeps the machine running smoothly and does it brilliantly. He knows how to manage himself and shines when the team needs it. This doesn’t mean he does less, but he knows when to elevate others.”**
Comparing him with other greats, Cissé added, **”Look at Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who plays almost every match. I remember Frank Lampard’s consecutive game streak in the Premier League.”**
