Hakimi's Time at Paris Saint-Germain: Assessing His Performance

**Hakimi's Time at Paris Saint-Germain: Assessing His Performance**

Paris Saint-Germain's signing of Marco Verratti in 2017 marked the beginning of a new era for the club, and among the players who joined around that time, Jérémy Doku, Kylian Mbappé, and, of course, Marco Verratti, it was Hakimi who quickly stood out. Hakimi, a versatile talent who could play as a midfielder, winger, and even as a striker, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, and his journey at the club was a mix of highs, lows, and unforgettable moments.

### Early Days: Adapting to Paris

Hakimi's arrival at Paris Saint-Germain was met with high expectations, and the young player quickly won over the fans with his relentless energy and skill on the ball. Despite being just 19 years old when he joined, Hakimi displayed a maturity beyond his age. He adapted well to the fast-paced style of play in Ligue 1 and became a fan favorite for his work ethic and ability to contribute in multiple positions. Whether it was as a midfielder, winger, or even as a striker in emergencies, Hakimi was always ready to step in and make an impact.

### 2018-2019 Season: Breakthrough Year

The 2018-2019 season was Hakimi's breakout year. He started to consistently produce moments of brilliance, earning him a regular starting spot in the team. His ability to carry the ball forward with pace and his clever dribbling made him a nightmare for defenders. Hakimi scored some stunning goals that season, including a memorable strike against Guingamp and a clinical finish against Manchester United in the Champions League. His performance in the Champions League was particularly noteworthy, as he played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain's journey to the final, even though they eventually lost to Liverpool.

Hakimi's 2018-2019 season earned him widespread recognition, and he was named in the Best XI of the season by both Ligue 1 and UEFA. His contributions were invaluable to a Paris Saint-Germain side that was still finding its identity under coach Thomas Tuchel.

### 2019-2020 Season: Growth and Leadership

In the 2019-2020 season, Hakimi continued to grow as a player and began to take on a more leadership role within the team. He was one of the first players to arrive at training and often led by example with his dedication and professionalism. Hakimi's versatility was once again on display, as he played in various positions, including as a false nine, which was a new role for him. His adaptability and ability to read the game made him a valuable asset to the team.

Hakimi scored some important goals that season, including a late winner against Nîmes Olympique, and he was again named in the Best XI at the end of the campaign. His leadership played a crucial role in the team's run-up to the Champions League final, where they lost to Bayern Munich. Despite the heartbreak, Hakimi's performance that season showed that he was a key player for Paris Saint-Germain.

### Declining Performance: Injuries and Competition

However, Hakimi's performance began to decline in the 2020-2021 season due to a series of injuries and the arrival of new signings who competed with him for his position. Hakimi was often used as a rotational player, and his consistency was affected by the presence of other talented midfielders and wingers in the squad.

Despite this, Hakimi still contributed when he was on the field, and he showed flashes of his old form. His departure from Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 was a bit of a surprise, as many fans had hoped to see him play a more central role in the team. However, Hakimi's move to Chelsea was seen as an opportunity for him to play a more prominent role and potentially win a title.

### Conclusion: Legacy at Paris Saint-Germain

Hakimi's time at Paris Saint-Germain was a mixed bag of success and challenges. He arrived as a promising young player and left as a seasoned professional who had made significant contributions to the club. Hakimi's versatility, work ethic, and leadership qualities made him a valuable asset to Paris Saint-Germain, and he will always be remembered for his moments of brilliance during his time at the club.

While Hakimi didn't win a major title during his time in Paris, his performances and the impact he had on the team will undoubtedly be remembered by the fans. Paris Saint-Germain remains a special chapter in Hakimi's career, and his legacy at the club will continue to be celebrated for years to come.