PSG were forced to wait to land their primary defensive target in the summer. After identifying him in the January transfer window, Luis Enrique was required to remain patient as he planned for the fu...
PSG were forced to wait to land their primary defensive target in the summer. After identifying him in the January transfer window, Luis Enrique was required to remain patient as he planned for the future with the hope of signing Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi. The Ukrainian international has settled into life in the French capital well and has been worth the wait for Les Parisiens.
Zabarnyi impressed on the south coast with Bournemouth last season. The 23-year-old formed part of one of the Premier League’s best and most promising defensive units, with the Cherries powerless to resist three of their starting back four all leaving the club for pastures new. Milos Kerkez departed for Liverpool and Dean Huijsen, who formed a strong partnership with the former Dynamo Kyiv defender, also left for Real Madrid.
Despite the seamless adaptation, the centre back arrived at Bournemouth as an unknown prospect. Nevertheless, under the management of Andoni Iraola, the Ukrainian defender saw his status increase stratospherically, becoming recognised as one of the best young centre-backs Europe has to offer. He played 39 games for the Dorset club in all competitions, helping them secure a record-high ninth-place finish with the fourth-best defence in the division.
13 appearances since his PSG move
His transformative impact with the English club and ability to lead a defensive unit made him a priority target for the UEFA Champions League winners. Since his arrival, he has shown why. The centre back has slotted in alongside Willian Pacho with ease at the Parc des Princes, even if he currently remains in a rotation role, due to the continued prominence of club captain Marquinhos. After the highs of last season, PSG have been less untouchable this season. Yet, the former Bournemouth defender has been one of their standouts. Zabarnyi has made 13 appearances in Ligue 1 for the French champions since he arrived at the club for €63m.
The Ukrainian international has represented an ideal fit for Luis Enrique’s playing style. Zabarnyi brings calmness to the backline in high-pressure situations and rarely rushes his work. He’s rarely forced into uncomfortable situations and has shown a maturity beyond his years in his meteoric rise to the top of the game. Given his age and current trajectory, the 23-year-old could be one of the best defenders in Europe for many seasons to come.
Category: General Sports
