Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos has publicly endorsed Lucas Beraldo’s transition to a defensive midfield role, praising the young Brazilian’s adaptability and growing influence under head coach Luis Enrique.
The endorsement comes after Beraldo’s shift from central defense to a holding midfield position, a tactical adjustment that has drawn attention across French football circles. Marquinhos, speaking following PSG’s 3-0 victory over Nantes, highlighted the confidence Beraldo has shown in his new responsibilities.
“After a slump, Lucas Beraldo returned to Luis Enrique’s side at the best of times, when the season becomes even more exciting,” Marquinhos said, as reported by French Football Weekly. “The Brazilian, however, no longer plays in central defense, but in the midfield in a defensive midfielder role. The 22-year-old left-hander is confident in this new … “
The tactical repositioning reflects Luis Enrique’s ongoing efforts to optimize PSG’s midfield balance, particularly as the club navigates a demanding phase of the season. Beraldo’s ability to read the game and break up opposition plays has been noted as a key asset in his new role.
Marquinhos further emphasized the trust developing between Beraldo and the coaching staff, referencing past conversations that helped the young defender through early challenges. “Marquinhos told me, ‘It’ll pass,’ and that’s what … WITH EACH GAME THAT GOES BY, IT FEELS LIKE YOU’RE GAINING THE TRUST OF LUIS ENRIQUE,” Beraldo recalled in a previous interview with PSG.fr, underscoring the veteran captain’s mentorship role.
The Brazilian international’s transition has not gone unnoticed by supporters and analysts alike, with many observing how his defensive awareness translates effectively to shielding the backline from deeper positions. His left-footed distribution and tactical discipline have added a new dimension to PSG’s build-up play.
CulturePSG reported that following the Nantes victory, Marquinhos reflected on Beraldo’s performance, stating the transformation had been “well mastered” while acknowledging the broader context of the team’s control. The captain’s public backing reinforces the internal stability surrounding the positional experiment.
Le10Sport detailed Luis Enrique’s rationale for the shift, explaining that the decision stemmed from specific tactical needs rather than personnel shortages. The Spanish coach has consistently emphasized flexibility and positional intelligence as core tenets of his system, traits Beraldo appears to be embodying in his new role.
PlanetePSG.com noted that Enrique has been explicit about seeing Beraldo as a long-term option in midfield, citing the player’s technical foundation and mental approach as ideal for the demands of holding midfield in Ligue 1 and European competition.
Tribuna.com quoted Marquinhos directly on the defensive impact of Beraldo’s repositioning: “Il donne de la sécurité à la défense,” translating to “He gives security to the defense.” The captain highlighted how Beraldo’s positioning and anticipation reduce pressure on the central defenders, allowing them to push higher with greater confidence.
The development marks a significant step in Beraldo’s evolution since joining PSG from São Paulo in January 2023. Initially deployed as a central defender, the 22-year-old has shown remarkable versatility, adapting to Enrique’s tactical vision without compromising his defensive instincts.
As PSG prepares for upcoming fixtures in both domestic and European competitions, Beraldo’s ability to operate effectively in midfield could prove crucial. His presence allows the team to maintain structural integrity while enabling more creative players to advance with reduced defensive burden.
The coaching staff’s continued faith in Beraldo, reinforced by Marquinhos’ public endorsement, suggests the transition is not merely a temporary solution but a potential long-term component of PSG’s tactical framework under Luis Enrique.
For now, the focus remains on Beraldo’s continued growth in his new role, with both captain and coach expressing optimism about his trajectory. As the season progresses, his performances will be closely monitored for signs of further refinement and consistency.
PSG’s next match serves as the immediate checkpoint for evaluating Beraldo’s midfield contributions, with the club aiming to build on recent momentum across all competitions.
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