Chelsea/PSG – Between Doué and Kvaratskhelia, Ntep makes his choice!

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·16. März 2026

Chelsea/PSG – Between Doué and Kvaratskhelia, Ntep makes his choice!

Paul-Georges Ntep (33 years old), former forward for AJ Auxerre and Rennes, who retired in 2024, was invited by L’Equipe to give his choice between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (25-year-old forward) and Désiré Doué (20-year-old midfielder/forward) for the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea this Tuesday at Stamford Bridge (kick-off at 9 PM, broadcast on Canal+).

Ntep "At 100%, both are equal."

"At this level, and even more so with PSG this season where you feel some players are worn out, you have to make your choice based on their form. On what you see in training. At 100%, both are equal. With different profiles that can make you dangerous against different types of opponents. Kvara, who is capable of scoring incredible goals, with more of a pure winger profile. Doué has a more developed versatility, he can be between the lines, connect them. He also has a more free-spirited side.

Ntep "if I have to choose for a Champions League final, I put both"

But if I have to choose based on form for Tuesday, I choose Kvaratskhelia. He is on fire. Well beyond his goals in the first leg. Doué is struggling to regain his sensations, I find, this year. But, the day after tomorrow, if I have to choose for a Champions League final, I put both and leave Barcola on the bench. He provides me with fewer guarantees in terms of efficiency. And you will likely have to manage, in this type of match, a game without spaces. I know I will have a very strong option on the bench."

It all makes sense, with Kvaratskhelia being absolutely impressive during his entry in the first leg while Doué's performance was more mixed. Be careful, however, as the Georgian has also been disappointing in recent weeks, and it was the Parisian number 14 who shone against Monaco during the playoffs. Anyway, Ntep emphasizes the essential: both can certainly claim a starting spot.

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It could be difficult for Bradley Barcola (23-year-old forward), who scored in the first leg. But he still has room for improvement in offensive clarity. It should not be excluded that Warren Zaïre-Emery (20-year-old midfielder) might be on the bench after more than 30 consecutive starts, which logically weigh on the legs. Doué can play in the midfield, with the ability to break out of pressing while Chelsea is expected to try to ignite the match. Doué also brings defensive impact, a role too often forgotten in his first-leg performance. As well as his quality to relieve the pressure from the Blues.

We cannot reduce PSG's choices to just 2 players; Luis Enrique has developed fierce competition, a real sense of teamwork, and versatility. Moreover, Lee Kang-In (25-year-old midfielder/forward) could also have a say. And regardless of the choices made, we know that Paris will have interesting weapons on the bench. It is a great strength that has been too sidelined when injuries piled up. While it is logical that this is a problem, it would be the case anywhere.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.