Lucas Hernandez appeared somewhat sidelined at Paris Saint-Germain, serving primarily as a backup, mostly in Ligue 1. However, with Nuno Mendes (24) unavailable, the 30-year-old defender stepped up and shone at left-back against FC Barcelona in the Champions League. This return to the spotlight was discussed in L’Équipe by Benjamin Pavard—the 30-year-old Inter Milan defender who spent a great deal of time alongside him within the French national team.
Pavard: “He’s a guy who is always at the service of the collective.”
“I’m not surprised. I know the effort he puts in every single day to be ready whenever he’s called upon. In training, for instance, he always gives 100%. He’s an incredible competitor. He might seem like he’s always laughing and joking around, but when it’s time to dig deep and push through the pain, he’s always there. He gives his all—whether he’s starting the match or only playing for five minutes. He’s a guy who is always at the service of the collective; he’s someone you can rely on.”
Lucas Hernandez has, at times, been a source of disappointment in terms of his play—especially when compared to rivals who rank among the best in the world. Such comparisons can be particularly harsh, often causing people to overlook the fact that he remains a high-level defender; the weight of these outsized expectations can be difficult for any player to bear. Yet, everyone can agree on one thing: he has never given up.
Without ever complaining, the former Atlético de Madrid and Bayern Munich man fought to earn back playing time and help the team with a polished, complete performance. It’s no coincidence that coach Luis Enrique selected him to face Barça, nor is it a surprise that he delivered such a strong showing. It is precisely this mentality that makes him a valuable asset to PSG—he stays focused on his work, ensuring he is always prepared, regardless of the circumstances. We hope he can maintain this level of performance moving forward, but one thing is certain: he will continue to give his absolute best every single day to help the team.
