In a surprising move, Paris Saint-Germain(PSG) manager Luis Enrique has named Vitinha as the club's Player of the Season, overlooking the stellar performances of Kylian Mbappe, reported by GOAL. This decision has raised eyebrows, given Mbappe's impressive contributions throughout the season.

Kylian Mbappe, known for his spectacular play and crucial goals, was expected by many to be the obvious choice for PSG’s Player of the Season. The 25-year-old French forward had another remarkable season, contributing to an astounding 51 goals in 48 appearances. Despite this, Luis Enrique opted to highlight the contributions of Portuguese midfielder Vitinha.

What Luis Enrique said

Speaking to the media, Enrique said, “For me, Vitinha is the player of the season. If you add up his qualities as a footballer, he is the best in the team and yet all of the players are good, but he is exceptional.”

Vitinha joined PSG in the summer of 2022 from Porto. His first season under former coach Christophe Galtier was mixed, but he has flourished under Enrique’s management. The Portuguese midfielder has become a key player, often described as the glue that holds the team's system together. Enrique’s praise for Vitinha highlights his importance to the team's strategy and his exceptional performance this season.

The choice of Vitinha over Mbappe also brings to light the tension surrounding Mbappe's future at PSG. Despite Enrique’s consistent praise for Mbappe, the decision to name Vitinha as the Player of the Season has not helped to dispel rumors of a strained relationship. Mbappe is expected to leave PSG this summer, a move that has been the subject of much speculation and interest from top clubs around the world.

Mbappe’s expected departure will undoubtedly leave a significant void in PSG's squad. His goal-scoring prowess and influence on the pitch have been crucial for the Parisian side. With Mbappe likely to move on, PSG will need other players to step up and fill the gap. Enrique’s faith in Vitinha suggests that he sees the midfielder as a cornerstone of his plans moving forward.

The road ahead for PSG

Looking ahead, PSG will face the challenge of maintaining their dominance in domestic football and achieving greater success in European competitions without their star forward. The club will need to rely on the collective efforts of their squad, and players like Vitinha will be expected to lead the charge.

Enrique’s decision to recognize Vitinha’s contributions could be seen as a strategic move to boost the midfielder’s confidence and highlight the team-oriented approach he aims to foster. It also sends a message to the rest of the squad that every player’s efforts are valued and crucial to the team’s success.

Luis Enrique’s choice of Vitinha as PSG’s Player of the Season over Kylian Mbappe is a bold and unexpected move. It underscores the importance of the Portuguese midfielder to Enrique’s plans and hints at the changes PSG might undergo with Mbappe’s anticipated departure. As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on PSG to see how they navigate this transition and build a team capable of sustaining their success on all fronts.

As Mbappe prepares to leave PSG, his next destination remains a hot topic of speculation. Top clubs across Europe are likely to be interested in securing his services. Wherever he ends up, Mbappe will undoubtedly aim to continue his impressive form and solidify his status as one of the best footballers in the world. Meanwhile, PSG will focus on restructuring their squad to remain competitive and successful in the upcoming seasons.