Warren Zaïre-Emery, the 19-year-old midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, has been playing regularly at right-back for PSG due to Achraf Hakimi’s (27 years old) injury in early November and his subsequent participation in the Africa Cup of Nations with Morocco. Following some impressive performances, the idea of him establishing himself in this role is gaining traction. Willy Sagnol, former full-back for France and Bayern Munich, among others, and now manager of Georgia, supported this idea in L’Equipe, offering some insight into the player’s profile.
Sagnol said, “He has all the qualities to be a full-back.”
“I understand why this is a topic of discussion because Warren has the tactical understanding for the position. And physically, he has all the qualities to be a full-back. So I’m not surprised that he’s thriving there.” He has a low center of gravity and good balance, which allows him to change positions quickly and stick to fast, unpredictable wingers in one-on-one situations.
Sagnol: “Warren won’t be a classic full-back”
Offensively, what’s interesting is that he can start from deeper positions. He has the game in front of him, doesn’t get stuck with his back to goal, and that suits his qualities. Warren won’t be a classic full-back: with the ball at his feet, he won’t be very creative. But he’ll be more of a finisher, as we’ve seen. With cutbacks and shots.
If Zaïre-Emery manages to fill in at full-back for PSG, it’s not by chance. He has all the game intelligence to do it and a certain technical quality. As well as the speed and power to control his flank or offer passing options. He’s an option, particularly a defensive one. At least for the moment.
We see him getting forward, but he’s far less creative than Hakimi. Which isn’t surprising, given how special the Moroccan is. But there are other “regular” full-backs who are more attacking than Zaïre-Emery. He’s not particularly known for beating defenders one-on-one. In fact, contrary to what Sagnol suggests, he’s often seen quite comfortable turning and using his strength. He even does this after winning back possession. He can therefore be very valuable in midfield.
There’s no talk yet of making Zaïre-Emery a full-back as a primary position. But it’s a role he can play. Especially in Luis Enrique’s PSG, where he likes to switch positions during the game.
