In a statement to Onze Mondial, Achraf Hakimi, 27, the Paris Saint-Germain right-back, shared his thoughts on the evolution of his position. The Moroccan international rejects the label of revolutionary, but fully embraces a modern, hybrid, and demanding role, encompassing playmaking, flanking, and attacking responsibilities.
Hakimi: “I’m ready to do all that.”
“I’m not thinking about revolutionizing or changing a position. I’m mainly thinking about playing my football and giving pleasure to those who love the game. Of course, if you compare the full-back position of ten years ago to today, it’s not the same role anymore.
In modern football, full-backs are asked to have different responsibilities: sometimes cutting inside, sometimes covering the entire flank. I’m ready to do all that and I feel very comfortable in this role. My characteristics allow me to perform well in this position.”
Hakimi: “I learned a lot from him.”
“I’m happy when people say that I’ve been able to contribute to the evolution of this position. But I also don’t forget players like Dani Alves, who had incredible seasons and matches in this position.
For me, he’s an example: he showed how a full-back should play, and I learned a lot from him.” “I hope the new generation looks at me the same way and that I can be an example for them.”
Achraf Hakimi doesn’t try to put himself above the position, but the way he embodies it still says something about modern football. At Paris Saint-Germain, the Moroccan is no longer just a full-back tasked with defending his flank and delivering crosses. He has to read the spaces, sometimes cut inside, sometimes stretch the opposition, all while maintaining a high level of defensive intensity.
This is precisely what makes him exceptional: he isn’t defined by a single function, but by his ability to seamlessly transition between several roles within the same match. By citing Dani Alves, Hakimi also places his development within a continuum. He doesn’t claim to have invented the position, but he readily acknowledges being one of its most complete exponents.
This statement perfectly reflects the image of Luis Enrique’s PSG: fewer fixed positions, more shared responsibilities, and players capable of thinking as much as running. In this context, Hakimi is not just an athletic weapon. He has become a key tactical reference point.
