Xavi Simons has once again asserted himself in the preparation of Paris Saint-Germain. The eighteen-year-old midfielder participated for 90 minutes in Saturday’s friendly match against Chambly, which was relegated to the third level last season, and scored in the second half. PSG nevertheless did not win the match: 2-2.
Simons was one of the four players that coach Mauricio Pochettino allowed to remain for ninety minutes. Players such as Keylor Navas, Idrissa Gueye, Thilo Kehrer and Mauro Icardi also had a starting place, but Pochettino also made room for young talents such as El Chadaille Bitshiabu (16), Ismaël Gharbi (17) Nathan Bitumazala (18) and Teddy Alloh (19 ). After the break, players like Julian Draxler and Layvin Kurzawa came in. The four players who remained on the field for 90 minutes were Simons, Bitshiabu, Gharbi and Kehrer.
Icardi opened the score from a penalty after eighteen minutes. In minute 57, Chambly equalized via Guillaume Heinry, after which Simons took the 2-1. The Dutchman served Gharbi with a nice heel, got the ball back, sprinted towards goalkeeper Martin Sourzac and made no mistake in the completion. Six minutes before the end, Boubacari Doucouré determined the final score at 2-2.
Simons also showed himself against Le Mans (4-0) on Wednesday, by scoring a goal and an assist. The youngster made his debut in the PSG first team on February 10. He came in as a substitute during the cup match with Caen (1-0 win). Two months later, on April 10, he came on as a substitute against Strasbourg (4-1 win) for the first time in Ligue 1. He hopes to show himself in preparation for Pochettino and get more playing time next season.
???? Nos Titis ont du talent! ?? @xavisimons #???????????????? pic.twitter.com/qDEE2gqIAE
— Paris Saint Germain (@PSG_inside) July 17, 2021
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