Sergio Ramos celebrates the first goal for PSG in the match against Reims on the morning of January 24 (Hanoi time). Photo: Reuters.

In the context of the great war with Real Madrid approaching, the Spanish midfielder’s good form in defense helps the French capital team to be more confident.

End of trauma obsession

The match against Reims at dawn on January 24 (Hanoi time) was the second time in Ligue 1 this season, Ramos was named in the PSG starting lineup. Previously, the 35-year-old midfielder has been constantly suffering from injury problems since arriving at Parc des Princes last summer.

The player born in 1985 had to wait until November 2021 to make his debut for a new team. After the victory over Saint-Etienne on November 28, Ramos took a break for three more matches and only returned to the main game for PSG at the end of December.

However, in the second starting time for the French capital club, Ramos played well and had time to score the first goal for PSG. The Spaniard’s first goal for PSG came from a familiar scenario. Ramos joined the attack in a corner situation. He jumped high to head and then rushed into the back stone like a striker.

That goal reminded people of the performances of Ramos in the Real Madrid shirt. When there are no more tormenting injuries, the Spanish defensive player still shows his class.

In addition to the goal against Reims over the weekend, Ramos also impressed in the PSG defense with precise handling. After two consecutive matches for the opponent to score in Ligue 1, the French capital team knew how to keep a clean sheet in the match against Reims.

The pair of central defenders Marquinhos – Ramos blocked the opponent’s ball well. Ramos personally has a passing accuracy rate of up to 92% in the last match. He also has a 100% win rate in aerial duels and tackles.

Ramos was scored by Whoscored 8.4 points after the match ended. He and Kylian Mbappe (8.6 points) are the two best PSG players in the match. PSG’s Qatari owners were right to give the 35-year-old midfielder a handsome two-year contract last summer. Ramos is not out of time, and he is still an important piece for PSG’s ambitions this season.

 Ramos was one of the two PSG players who played the best against Reims over the weekend. Photo: Reuters.

Situation reversed

A month ago, the former France international, Emmanuel Petit, decried Ramos to the fullest. “I think we’ll have to wait a little longer for Lionel Messi. He hasn’t shown his best in France yet,” Petit asserted. “Messi’s case does not disappoint me as much as Ramos. He is injured all the time and does not contribute anything to the team.”

Coach Mauricio Pochettino later admitted that Ramos’ fitness was the main reason why he rarely played for PSG. With an experienced and proven player like Ramos, it is not difficult for him to become a mainstay in the PSG defense if he is healthy.

Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos have been a pair of central defenders who have often started for PSG since the beginning of the season. However, the return of Ramos caused the Argentine strategist to consider the change of defensive personnel.

In the context of PSG creating a safe distance from the opponents behind in Ligue 1, the Champions League is the tournament that determines the success or failure of the French club this season.

In more than 3 weeks, coach Pochettino’s team will host Real Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League. Ramos’ experience and fighting spirit can be a fulcrum for PSG.

This season, except for Marquinhos who plays stably, the rest of PSG’s defensive players are not impressive. Kimpembe does not show certainty in key moments. The Frenchman has had his seventh season with PSG, but has never been seen as a world-class centre-back.

Other names like Abdou Diallo or Thilo Kehrer also have a similar level. They cannot compare with Ramos in terms of top-notch playing experience. PSG fans have a reason to wait for the Spanish midfielder’s performance in the near future.

No one understands Real Madrid, PSG’s upcoming Champions League rivals, more than Ramos. At the age of 35, the Spanish midfielder’s desire to prove himself is not over. If Ramos plays well, he can also dream of a place in the 2022 World Cup with the national team of bulls.