Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique will commit “tactical suicide” by starting Lucas Digne in tonight’s Champions League clash against Barcelona, according to French football legend Michel Larque.
PSG welcome Barcelona to the Parc des Princes in arguably the standout tie from this season’s league phase, with the two best attacks in the world expected to contest a shootout.
Defensive blow with Nuno Mendes ruled out
However, the current Champions League holders have been dealt a major blow in defence, with Nuno Mendes ruled out with a thigh injury sustained in the 3-1 win over Strasbourg at the weekend.
Digne, who returned to the French capital from Aston Villa for £8.5 million in the summer transfer window, is one of two natural options to replace Mendes at left-back, along with Lucas Hernandez.
Larque's warning over Digne vs Yamal
Speaking on RMC radio, Larque, formerly of PSG as a player and manager in the 70s, expressed concern over Digne potentially being tasked with keeping Lamine Yamal quiet.
“Putting Lucas Digne in a direct duel with Lamine Yamal is not just a problem, it is tactical suicide,” Larque said. “Signing him for this position was a serious strategic mistake by the Paris management.
“We all knew that Lucas Hernandez was not fit to be a replacement for Mendes, and yet the management repeated the same mistake.”
Alternative suggested at left-back
Digne came up against Yamal when France were beaten by Spain in the World Cup semi-final back in July, as he conceded a penalty by fouling the Barcelona winger in the box.
Larque has suggested an alternative for Digne at left-back, but it’s not Hernandez or Lucas Beraldo. “I would put [Warren] Zaire-Emery on the left without hesitation. He has immense physical strength, inexhaustible fitness, and he is at the peak of his form,” Larque added.
“He has proven every time that he is capable of shining in any position he is asked to play. He is the only one capable of matching Lamine's speed and bursts.”
