There was a time at PSG when homegrown talents didn’t have the space to develop in the first team and had to carve out a future away from the Parc des Princes. This happened with Kingsley Coman, Moussa Diaby, and Christopher Nkunku. However, the club’s policy has made a radical shift in recent times, thanks to the trust Luis Enrique has placed in young talents.

The Youngest Debutant in PSG History

After Zaïre-Emery (2006) and Senny Mayulu (2006), this season it was Ibrahim Mbaye's turn (2008). A fast and skillful forward, capable of playing on either wing, who Luis Enrique made the youngest debutant in PSG history when he came on as a substitute in the opening match of this season’s Ligue 1 against Le Havre.

Secured with his first professional contract last January, Luis Enrique has given him opportunities whenever possible, and at just 16 years old, he can already boast of having played seven matches with PSG. In the latest one against Saint-Étienne, he also came on to replace Gonçalo Ramos with just over 10 minutes left… and sealed the victory by scoring his first goal in stoppage time.

The PSG’s Big Future Bet

Now is when Mbaye is starting to reap the rewards of his efforts in elite football. However, he’s a talent that Luis Enrique has been closely monitoring for many months: “He’s been training with us for a year now, and there’s clear progress. What I like most about him is his defensive attitude, even in the under-19 category, along with his undeniable offensive quality,” he commented after the match against Saint-Étienne.

In fact, Luis Enrique himself admitted that there would be no problem if he played again tonight in the Coupe against the surprising Dunkerque from Ligue 2. “It’s a risky bet for the club and the team, but we need to take it step by step. He’s a player that the club and we have chosen. We need to help him evolve into a key player in the near future.” No doubt, Mbaye is burning stages at a lightning-fast pace at PSG.