Fortunately for PSG fans, Warren Zaire-Emery is proving Luis Enrique right

Achraf Hakimi's grave ankle injury in the Champions League against Bayern Munich left all PSG fans worried. With no real backup for the Moroccan, PSG Academy graduate Warren Zaire-Emery had no other choice than to step up and become PSG's starting right-back. Even though, it was not his first stint at this position, having started several games at this position last season, it would be his longest interim there.

When several Paris Saint-Germain fans were worried that it could be too much for the France international, Luis Enrique put his faith in him and he is now being repaid tenfold after several top-level performances from him. He has been able to grow into this role and contributed largely to Paris' top form in the last four games.

Luis Enrique refused to buy a backup for Hakimi

Earlier in the season, Achraf Hakimi who was in contention to win the African Ballon, was called 'The best right-back in the world' by his coach Luis Enrique, as he explained why it was not necessary to bring in another right-back who would purely be a backup for the Morocco international at PSG.

"That’s why we didn’t bring in another right-back. He almost always plays, and when he doesn’t, we have other options. You’d have to pay a lot of money for a backup who’d play three games and then lose motivation”.

Effectively, Hakimi is rarely rested by his coach since joining PSG, allowing him to become a leader and a crucial part of the squad on and off the pitch. He is also never injured which has been important for his side as they went on to lift the first Champions League in the history of the club.

However, this season, with Hakimi set to go and captain Morocco for the upcoming AFCON on home soil, his absence could be longer than expected and force the "Titi" to feature as a right-back for long.

Warren Zaire-Emery is Luis Enrique's new tactical masterclass

The 19-year-old's new position as right-back has answered many question for his side as he proved to play a hybrid position between full-back and midfielder, playing a huge role in the build up of his team, providing balance and solidity.

After his incredible run of form at this new position, and their latest 3-2 victory against FC Metz, his coach heaped praises to him:

"He is one of the most mature players I have ever seen. He helps the team both as a full-back and as a midfielder. He is very complete. It's important for me to have several players who can play in different positions. He has that ability to operate anywhere and he does it well."

Hopefully, he will be able to continue his great form against Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final and into the new year.