PSG Star Achraf Hakimi Hopes to Replace Lionel Messi as Free-Kick Taker After AFCON Heroics

Paris Saint Germain had one of the best teams in the world last season with an attack that boasted the likes of Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappe. However, the French club went one better and signed Lionel Messi, among a few other players, to make their team a genuine superteam.

They also signed Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi while adding Italian keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to their ranks. All of these moves ensured that no other team could match their strength on paper, and things have gone well for the club since.

Achraf Hakimi talks about his chances to take free-kicks for PSG

Among all of these players, two superstars stand out when it comes to taking free-kicks; Messi and Neymar. Messi is probably the greatest free-kick taker of all time and has scored more free-kicks than a few football clubs in the last few years. Meanwhile, Neymar has also scored a lot of free-kicks in his relatively short career but did take them for PSG.

However, a new name has fallen into the ring for free-kick contention, and it’s right back, Achraf Hakimi. The Morocco International recently scored a wonderful free-kick for his nation in the ongoing AFCON tournament and he has talked about taking free kicks for PSG as well.

“In Paris, we have a lot of players who can take free-kicks. There’s Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, I try, but it’s difficult. I’ll speak to them when I get back to Paris,” Hakimi said.

Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr: Their numbers on free-kick duty

While Hakimi might be a good option to go for, Neymar and Messi are in a class of their own. Neymar has scored 14 direct free-kick goals in his career, with 7 of those coming for PSG in 111 matches.

On the other hand, Messi has scored a total of 58 free-kicks in his career, which is the most among all players who are currently active. He hasn’t scored a free-kick for PSG yet, but it won’t be long before he finally does so.

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