After the Angers/PSG match on April 25, 2026, Lucas Beraldo, 22, a defender for Paris Saint-Germain, stopped in the mixed zone to discuss his use as a number 6. The Brazilian emphasized the confidence shown in him by Luis Enrique, while remaining cautious about a long-term future in midfield.
“The coach gives me a lot of confidence. I feel freer. A future in midfield? I don’t know, it’s not the same as being a defender, but I’m here to help the team.”
The most interesting aspect of Beraldo’s comments lies almost in his hesitation. On the pitch, his profile seems naturally suited to this number 6 role: quality distribution, composure under pressure, defensive awareness, and the ability to close down spaces without rushing. In a PSG team that requires its players to cover multiple areas, his move to midfield is far from a mere stopgap measure.
He even gives the impression of unleashing certain qualities that are sometimes less visible in central defense, where mistakes are punished more quickly and initiative is more restricted. The paradox lies here: Luis Enrique seems to offer him a wider range of expression, but Beraldo still retains the instinct of a defender who sees himself first and foremost as serving the team.
Perhaps all that’s missing is his own conviction to seal the deal. This caution isn’t necessarily a hindrance. It also reveals something about Beraldo: a player still developing, attentive to instructions, not particularly drawn to grand pronouncements. But in Luis Enrique’s PSG, this versatility could quickly become more than just an option. It could become a real weapon.
