5 underrated PSG players who could turn out to be key after this International Break

Most PSG players flew out to represent their respective countries in the last international window of the season before this summer's World Cup. After this international break, Les Parisiens will enter the last stretch of the season which could be make or break for Luis Enrique and his team. The European Champions will need all their players if they are to repeat their historical season.

Here are the five underrated PSG players that could turn out to be key after the international window.

Five underrated PSG players who could change the end of the season

1) Senny Mayulu

While his future at the club is uncertain, he could perhaps be an unexpected choice, but it’s important to note that rotation will be key if PSG are to achieve their objective of winning both Ligue 1 and the Champions League. While Mayulu may not always start in Europe (although his fine finish against Chelsea recently was a reminder of how devastating he can be on a continental stage) his contributions in Ligue 1 could be decisive if PSG are to pull away from their competitors in that competition.

2)  Lucas Hernandez

Hernandez’s role may on paper seem somewhat minimal, as he has mostly been playing second fiddle at left-back to the excellent Nuno Mendes over the last two seasons, but his defensive solidity is not to be underestimated, and in game states in which PSG have to defend a lead. In big European ties, having a two times Champions League winning (and World Cup winning starter) option on the bench is never a negative, and Hernandez has often in the past come on late in games – often in place of one of PSG’s more attacking players, to close off big wins.

3) Matvey Safonov

Telling a PSG fan 12 months ago that they would have been going into the business end of a season with Safonov as their number one choice goalkeeper would certainly have elicited some surprised reactions, as the Russian shot-stopper was then firmly a backup to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

It’s a testament, to just how much can change in one year, as the Italian giant, whose heroics were a big part of PSG’s European success last season, has since been sold and replaced by Lucas Chevalier, whose inconsistent form has now led to Safonov being the first choice man between the sticks for PSG.

Safonov has had some moments of undeniable quality in his time as starter so far, although he has also made some clangers at times, and whichever version of him shows up in the big moments for PSG now will be very telling in how their season will end.

4)   Warren Zaire-Emery

Warren Zaire-Emery has quietly been one of PSG’s most important players this season, playing a lot of games as the Parisians have suffered injuries to some first team mainstays across midfield and full back – with Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves and Achraf Hakimi  all missing a number of games – leading to Zaire-Emery’s versatility being key, as he has slotted in at a number of different positions this season. We’re yet to see if and how the PSG Academy graduate will fit back into the side once everyone is fully fit, but his contribution could be absolutely vital over the last weeks of PSG’s campaign.

5)  Willian Pacho

Perhaps one of PSG’s best players last season, Pacho’s dominance at the back was a huge part of PSG’s success on all fronts. It is fair to say that Pacho has been slightly less impressive this season, while still maintaining fairly high standards. If Pacho could get back to his dominant best, it could be a big boost for PSG’s chances of going back to back in the Champions League.