Paul-Georges Ntep (33), former striker for AJ Auxerre and Rennes, among others, who retired in 2024, was asked by L’Equipe to give his choice between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (25-year-old striker) and Désiré Doué (20-year-old midfielder/forward) for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea this Tuesday at Stamford Bridge (kick-off at 9 pm, CET).
Ntep: “100%, they’re both equally good.”
“At this level, and even more so with this season’s PSG where you can sense some players are past their prime, you have to base your choice on form. On what you see in training. 100%, they’re both equally good. With different profiles, you can be dangerous against very different types of opponents. Kvara, who is capable of scoring incredible goals, is more of a pure winger. Doué has greater versatility; he can play between the lines, connect with them. He also has a more free-roaming side.
Ntep: “If I had to choose in a Champions League final, I’d pick both.”
“But if I had to choose based on form for Tuesday, I’d choose Kvarat-Khelaifi. He’s on fire. Much better than his goals in the first leg. Doué is struggling to find his form, I think, this year. But, the day after tomorrow, if I had to choose in a Champions League final, I’d pick both of them.” I’m leaving Barcola on the bench. He offers me fewer guarantees in terms of effectiveness. And you’ll probably have to manage, in this type of match, a game with no space. I know I’ll have a very strong option on the bench.”
It all makes sense, with Kvaratskhelia being absolutely impressive when he came on in the first leg, while Doué’s performance was more mixed. However, the Georgian has also been disappointing in recent weeks, and it was the Parisian number 14 who shone against Monaco in the playoffs. In any case, Ntep rightly emphasizes the essential point: both can absolutely claim a starting place.
It could be difficult for Bradley Barcola (the 23-year-old striker), who scored in the first leg. But he also still has room for improvement in his attacking composure. It shouldn’t be ruled out that Warren Zaïre-Emery (the 20-year-old midfielder) will be on the bench after more than 30 consecutive starts, which is understandably taking its toll. Doué can play in midfield, with the ability to escape pressure when Chelsea are likely to try and ignite the match. Doué also brings defensive impact, a role that was too often overlooked in his performance in the first leg. As was his ability to relieve pressure from the Blues.
PSG’s choices can’t be reduced to just two players. Luis Enrique has fostered fierce competition, a real sense of teamwork, and versatility. Moreover, Lee Kang-In (the 25-year-old midfielder/forward) could also have a say. And regardless of the choices made, we know that Paris will have some interesting options on the bench. This is a major strength that has been sidelined for too long when injuries piled up. While it’s understandable that this is a problem, it would be the case anywhere.
