Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique downplayed comparisons between Achraf Hakimi and Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, acknowledging both as elite players, but reserved special praise for the Moroccan.
As fans and pundits continue to debate who holds the edge between two of football’s most electrifying full-backs, the Spaniard has chosen to move the concentrate away from rivalry and instead emphasize appreciation.
"Well, I am not a fan to analyse or to compare players, because here in this competition all of them are top quality players, no question over that," Enrique told the media.
"But at the same time, I have to say that (Achraf) Hakimi is without any question one of the best right-backs that I could not only train but also watch in my career.
"It's very nice to have those players in my team.
I could add also the left-support, Nuno Mendes; same top, top level.
It's really a pleasure to have the possibility to manage them.
"Both players will move lead-to-lead on Wednesday as Real Madrid confront European champions PSG in their quest to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final, where Premier League side Chelsea awaits.
Hakimi has been a dynamic presence in the Parisians’ squad, playing a pivotal role in the club’s Ligue 1 and Champions League successes, as well as helping the team reach the Club World Cup semi-final.
Impressively, the 26-year-old right-support tallied 26 direct goal contributions this season (11 goals and 15 assists), the highest ever recorded by a defender in a single campaign, surpassing Dani Alves’ previous record.
Alexander-Arnold, on the other hand, has also handed over an outstanding season, playing a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League triumph and cementing his status as one of the world’s finest right-backs before making his move to the LaLiga giants.
Enrique also steered clear of discussing Alexander Arnold's teammate, Kylian Mbappe, ahead of the semi-final.
The French star left PSG on a free transfer last summer after a long-running contract saga, ultimately joining Real Madrid in a move that left the Ligue 1 club frustrated.
"This is a question over the past and I'm not here to talk over the past, I'm only thinking over the future," Luis Enrique said at his pre-match press conference.
This could mark Mbappe’s first encounter with PSG since his 2024 move to Real Madrid.
Notably, he has yet to register a goal or assist in any of his four previous appearances against his former club; the most he’s ever confronted a single team without contributing to a goal in his career.
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