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PSG player ratings vs Nantes: Lionel Messi masterclass helps cover up Gianluigi Donnarumma stinker

Thomas Hindle
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Lionel Messi celebrate PSG Nantes 2022-23
Lionel Messi scored the opener and could have added more, with the Argentine's star showing covering up Gianluigi Donnarumma's errors in a 4-2 win

PSG scored twice inside the first 20 minutes. Messi was first, latching onto a rebound to poke the ball home from close range. The second came shortly after, with Jaouen Hadjam turning the ball into his own net.

But Nantes refused to crumble. Ludovic Blas skewed a cross into the net, beating an out-of-sorts Donnarumma at the near post to halve the lead. They equalised after 39 minutes from a corner.

The home side then reestablished control in the second half and found the lead again after Danilo Pereira headed in from a Kylian Mbappe cross. The latter added a fourth in second-half stoppage time to secure a 4-2 win.

GOAL rates PSG's players from the Parc des Princes...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
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    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Gianluigi Donnarumma (4/10):

    Should have stopped the first, almost gave up another, and could have done better on the second. Not the first mistake he's made this year...

    Nuno Mendes (7/10):

    Full of energy, made one terrific recovering tackle. His understanding with Mbappe is constantly improving.

    Marquinhos (6/10):

    Reliable, but went straight down the tunnel after appearing to hurt his back in the second half. PSG will hope it's not serious ahead of their Champions League clash with Bayern Munich this week.

    Sergio Ramos (6/10):

    Solid in the middle of a back-three. Played it safe, establishing some much-needed control.

    Danilo Pereira (7/10):

    Put PSG back in front with a well-taken header, and conducted his centre-back duties comfortably.

    Nordi Mukiele (6/10):

    His pressure forced Hadjam into an own goal, but he also lost Ganago at the back post for Nantes' equaliser. Came off with a lower leg injury after 70 minutes.

  2. Midfield
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    Midfield

    Fabian Ruiz (8/10):

    Tackled efficiently, kept the ball moving, and created two chances. His best performance for a while.

    Warren Zaire-Emery (7/10):

    Filled the Marco Veratti role well, winning the ball back and orchestrating play from deep.

    Vitinha (7/10):

    Energetic, showed attacking promise with some driving runs into the final third.

  4. Attack
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    Attack

    Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

    His usual slew of tricks and turns weren't working in the first half. Much-improved in the second, almost lashing one in from 35 yards. Scored the fourth to become PSG's all-time leading goalscorer.

    Lionel Messi (9/10):

    Poked the ball home from seven yards out to open the scoring. Nearly added a second with an audacious chip. Had a free-kick saved. Effortlessly excellent.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Carlos Soler (6/10):

    Replaced the injured Mukiele and slotted in at right-wing-back.

    E.C Bitshiabu (6/10):

    Mature cameo after entering the contest for Marquinhos

    Timothee Pembele (N/A):

    Enjoyed a run out. Might be required midweek against Bayern if Mukiele and Marquinhos are both injured.

    Christophe Galtier (7/10):

    Went back to his standard 3-5-2, but could do little to prevent his squad from throwing away a 2-0 lead. Oversaw a far better second half showing. Underwhelming, but will take the three points. Bayern next.