Out Of Favour PSG Star Admits Frustration
REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
Paris Saint-Germain star Thomas Meunier has admitted that he is growing frustrated over the lack of significant first-team action, amid strong links with Manchester United.
The Belgian arrived at the Parc des Princes back in the summer of 2016, and quickly replaced Serge Aurier at right-back. The £7 million-rated signing started becoming a common sight on Unai Emery’s team sheet, which opened the exit doors for Aurier, who joined Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Meunier was instrumental in the PSG defence, and appeared in all 6 of their Champions League fixtures, despite making just 18 Ligue 1 appearances. However, the former Brugge man was seen stepping down from his usual role soon after the arrival of Dani Alves from Juventus.
The Brazilian quickly replaced the Belgian youngster, who has since been in and out of the Parisians’ starting XI. Consequently, the talented defender has grown frustrated over his lost significance in the squad, and hasn’t been shy to express it.
“Yes, because I want to play every match, whether it’s against Gueugnon, Niort or Bayern Munich,” he told L’Equipe. “I want to be on the pitch every time. I am in a team which is one of the top five in the world where the backups and the starters are about the same level. I will do everything to complicate the choices for the coach.”
Meunier surely has an elite mentality, as he is adamant on striving to fight for his place and prove his worth to the PSG boss. However, the right-back is certainly disappointed with his situation, as he described himself as ‘not a priority’.
REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
“For me, Serge (Aurier) and Dani are equal. Dani has experience and he is a leader on the pitch,” he added. “It [becoming a regular] takes a bit of luck sometimes. I see the choices of the coach. I just have to be patient for now, because I’m not the priority.
“But I will do everything to complicate the choices as much as possible when I play. I do what I can and I usually play good matches, which is important for the technical staff because they know they can count on me, but they already knew that last season.”
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is reportedly interested in Meunier, and sees him as a potential replacement for Antonio Valencia. Moreover, the player himself has openly admitted his long standing admiration for the Red Devils, which only makes the Portuguese’s situation easier.
There is no doubt that the 26-year-old currently has better chances of succeeding Valencia at Old Trafford than replacing Dani Alves in the PSG lineup. Moreover, the Virton youth product would certainly fancy a move to his boyhood favourite club if the opportunity comes by.
Written by Ashish Sreejith 
Have had two addictions in life- playing football and watching football. Usually described as introverted but not when it comes to speaking and writing about the beautiful game of football.