Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi says playing in front of a goalkeeper of the stature of Gianluigi Donnarumma brings confidence.
Donnarumma has had his critics but has responded with a string of impressive displays – most notably against Liverpool at Anfield – to help Luis Enrique’s side into the semi-finals of the Champions League.
PSG host Arsenal tomorrow night in the second leg of their last-four tie with a 1-0 advantage from the first game at the Emirates.
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Another clean sheet from Donnarumma will be enough to see them through and Hakimi says he has full belief in the big Italian.
“I think you can already see that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” said Hakimi.
“We have so much confidence in him. Some people doubted him but we have always supported him and we have seen that he has always responded in the best way.
“He gives us so much confidence in these sorts of games.”
Hakimi pleased to have ‘genius’ Dembele available
At the other end of the field, PSG will be boosted by the availability of forward Ousmane Dembele who will play after overcoming a hamstring strain sustained in North London.
“He is the type of player who makes you want to go to the stadium to watch because he is a genius on the ball, even if he doesn’t have many chances,” said Hakimi.
“He can change the course of the game so we are delighted to have him back in the team.”
Same again from attack-minded PSG
PSG have produced a strong of thrilling performances in the Champions League this season, built around clever movement in midfield and blistering pace in attack.
And even though they have a lead to protect against Arsenal, Hakimi does not envisage a change to their philosophy.
The Morocco international said: “These are games every player and every child dreams of being involved in and we have to channel that in the right way.
“I don’t think our play style will change. The coach has always sent out a clear message which is that whether we are winning or losing our style of play will never change.”
