Where does Pacho rank among PSG’s greatest defenders? | OneFootball

Since arriving in summer 2024, Willian Pacho has quickly been viewed as one of Paris Saint-Germain’s standout centre-backs. The 24-year-old Ecuadorian is already a pillar of their defence.

For the Trophée des Champions against OM in Kuwait on Thursday at 19:00, his place in the starting line-up is not in doubt. According to L'Équipe, even in an injury-disrupted campaign for the European champions, Pacho’s dependability has endured.

He joined from Eintracht Frankfurt 18 months ago, relatively under the radar, and has impressed ever since. Former PSG defenders now place him among the club’s best in his position.

Ricardo highlights a formidable physical presence and exceptional defensive reading, plus improved positioning with Luis Enrique’s influence. He sees greater poise in Pacho’s distribution and, above all, rare consistency that carried through last season’s Champions League quarter, semi and final.

Alain Roche praises a rapid adaptation and calls him the club’s most successful signing of the past 18 months. Early doubts about pace have vanished, he says, noting smart positioning, natural power and a clear uplift when Pacho plays. He lauds the defender’s sobriety and controlled aggression.

Éric Rabesandratana admires Pacho’s mentality and calm in duels, describing a quiet strength and unflinching focus. He accepts there are occasional over-committed challenges because he wins eight or nine times out of 10, and expects experience to tidy that up. For him, Pacho gets it right 98% of the time.

Source: L'Équipe