Adrien Thomasson, RC Lens’ 31-year-old attacking midfielder, spoke to Le Parisien about PSG’s victory over Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the 2025 Club World Cup. Thomasson also expressed his admiration for 29-year-old Parisian midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
Thomasson “They’re so far above their opponents, in every area of the game.”
Another final for Paris, the third in a month and a half, how does that make you feel?
“It’s simple: I have the impression that Paris Saint-Germain are an unstoppable team. I don’t see what can happen to them, I don’t see how any team can beat them. They’re so far above their rivals, in every area of the game.
Thomasson “one of the most underrated players in the Paris squad.”
Which player impressed you the most?
It’s hard to pick out one, given the outstanding team performance on Wednesday night, which was really down to the coach’s work and the club’s efforts. But Fabian Ruiz, with his two goals, was very good, very decisive. In my opinion, he’s one of the most underrated players in the Paris squad.
He’s a player in the shadows, a player who balances the team, who projects himself, who’s decisive, who’s capable of scoring goals and getting the ball out. He’s a precious player. He needs to have a strong team alongside him, and when he first arrived at the club, I think he suffered from having two or three players in the team who were disconnected from the rest. Since last year, we’ve been able to observe his qualities more clearly.
Thomasson “The attacking players were also very decisive in the defensive work”
Despite the absence of Pacho, the Parisians once again conceded no goals…
“They’re a very solid team, with well-established automatisms. You get the impression that any defender can come on, and that it’s not going to change the complexion of the match. Donnarumma regularly congratulates his players when a ball is blocked or when they intervene, and so on.
The attacking players were also very decisive in their defensive work, harassment and pressing. I watch a lot of games and, since Guardiola’s Barça, rarely has a team impressed me so much.”
Luis Enrique has done a remarkable job since his arrival at the Parisian club two years ago. In the space of just a few months, PSG have become the best team in the world, and are beating each of their rivals as if they were in the second division.
Whether it’s Fabian Ruiz, Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembélé or others, every one of them has passed a milestone this season. There isn’t a player who doesn’t defend, just as there isn’t a player who doesn’t attack when necessary. The strength of the PSG team today is that it’s a real collective, where every member is ready to give 100%, not to shine individually, but to help the team win.
Just one match away from becoming world champions, PSG is continuing to build on its momentum and write the finest page in its history. Next season will also be eagerly awaited, because beyond reaching this level of performance, the hardest part is obviously maintaining it over several seasons.
