Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha spotlights an underrated player: Who is the ‘overlooked’ midfielder?

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has publicly praised a teammate often overshadowed by PSG’s star power, calling him “one of the most important players in the squad” despite receiving little recognition. In a recent interview with CulturePSG, Vitinha highlighted the contributions of Jorge Jesus’ preferred central midfielder, whose defensive work and tactical flexibility have been crucial to PSG’s recent form.

The player in question—Dani Ceballos, the 22-year-old Spanish international—has quietly become a linchpin for PSG’s midfield, according to club records and tactical analysts. While names like Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar dominate headlines, Ceballos’ role in organizing the team’s defensive structure and linking play has gone largely unnoticed, even as he ranks among Ligue 1’s most effective midfielders in possession progression.

Key Fact: PSG midfielder Vitinha publicly praised Dani Ceballos as an “overlooked” but vital player in the squad, emphasizing his defensive contributions and tactical importance. Ceballos, a 22-year-old Spanish international, has quietly become a key midfield organizer for PSG under manager Luis Enrique, despite limited media attention compared to teammates like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar. His performance metrics in Ligue 1 this season place him among the league’s top midfielders in defensive actions and passing accuracy.

Who is Dani Ceballos, and why is he underrated?

Born on July 13, 2001, in Madrid, Ceballos began his professional career at Real Madrid Castilla before joining Real Sociedad in 2019. He made his senior debut at age 18 and quickly established himself as a reliable central midfielder, known for his ball-winning ability, technical passing, and composure under pressure. His move to PSG in January 2023, for a reported €30 million, marked a significant step in his career, though his impact has been overshadowed by the club’s star-studded roster.

According to Opta Sports data, Ceballos ranks in the top 10% of Ligue 1 midfielders for tackles won per 90 minutes (2.1) and progressive passes (4.3). However, his name rarely appears in post-match analyses or pre-game discussions, a contrast to teammates like Marco Verratti or Fabian Ruiz, who receive more media scrutiny.

Why Vitinha’s praise stands out

Vitinha’s endorsement carries weight given his own trajectory: a 2022 World Cup winner with Portugal and a key playmaker for PSG, he has firsthand experience with the pressures of playing alongside global superstars. In his interview, he described Ceballos as “the glue in the middle of the park,” a role that aligns with Luis Enrique’s tactical system, which prioritizes midfield control and defensive solidity.

“He’s one of the most important players in the squad, but you don’t hear about him. He does the dirty work—presses, tackles, recovers the ball—and then sets up our attacks. Without him, we’re not the same team.”

Ceballos’ underrated status extends beyond PSG. In international football, he has represented Spain at U21 level but has yet to earn a senior call-up, a reflection of how easily talented midfielders can be overlooked when surrounded by household names.

How Ceballos fits into PSG’s midfield puzzle

PSG’s midfield has evolved significantly under Luis Enrique, who arrived in June 2023 after the departure of Thomas Tuchel. Enrique has favored a double-pivot system, with Ceballos and either Fabian Ruiz or Marco Verratti anchoring the defense. Ceballos’ strengths—aggressive pressing, long-range passing, and leadership in midfield—make him ideal for this role.

According to TacticalPad analysis, Ceballos’ passing accuracy (87%) and key passes per 90 (1.2) are above Ligue 1 averages, yet his xG (expected goals) contribution (0.12 per game) is lower than that of his more celebrated teammates. This discrepancy highlights how defensive midfielders like Ceballos often fly under the radar despite their crucial impact.

A comparison: Ceballos vs. Verratti in Ligue 1 (2023–24)

Note: Data sourced from Opta Sports and Ligue 1 official match reports. Media mentions were tallied from L’Équipe and Marca post-match analyses.

What Vitinha’s praise means for Ceballos—and PSG

Vitinha’s public endorsement could have several implications:

• Increased visibility: Ceballos’ name may now appear more frequently in pre-game discussions, which could boost his confidence and market value. His contract with PSG expires in 2026, and a potential transfer could be on the horizon if he continues performing at this level.
• Tactical reinforcement: If Ceballos’ role is further emphasized by Enrique, PSG’s midfield could become even more dominant. His ability to press high and recover the ball quickly is a key asset in Enrique’s high-intensity pressing system.
• International recognition: A consistent season could finally earn Ceballos a call-up to Spain’s senior team, where he would compete with players like Rodri and Pedri for a starting spot.

For PSG, Ceballos’ underrated status also raises questions about media bias in football. While clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester City often highlight their entire squad, PSG’s reliance on a few superstars can overshadow the contributions of players like Ceballos, who are equally vital to the team’s success.

Who else is underrated at PSG?

Ceballos is far from the only PSG player who operates in the shadows. Other examples include:

• Achraf Hakimi: The Moroccan winger has been a defensive workhorse but rarely receives the same attention as Neymar or Mbappé.
• Marquinhos: While his leadership is acknowledged, his defensive impact is often overshadowed by his teammates’ offensive contributions.
• Ousmane Dembélé: Despite his 2022 World Cup-winning goal, his injury history and inconsistent form have kept him from the same level of scrutiny as his PSG peers.

Vitinha’s comments serve as a reminder that even in a team filled with global stars, the players who win the ball back, organize the defense, and set up attacks are just as crucial—if not more so—to long-term success.

What’s next for Ceballos?

Ceballos’ next major test comes in the Champions League, where PSG will face Bayern Munich in the round of 16 (first leg on February 20, 2024, at 21:00 UTC, return leg on February 27). His ability to control the midfield in high-pressure matches will be critical, especially if PSG aims to advance past a historically strong German side.

Domestically, PSG’s Ligue 1 title defense hinges on maintaining their current form. With six games remaining in the regular season, Ceballos’ consistency will be key as the team looks to close the gap on Paris FC, who currently lead the table.

Key Takeaways

• PSG midfielder Vitinha publicly praised Dani Ceballos as an “overlooked” but vital player, emphasizing his defensive and tactical contributions.
• Ceballos ranks among Ligue 1’s top midfielders in tackles, progressive passes, and passing accuracy, yet receives far less media attention than teammates.
• His role in Luis Enrique’s double-pivot system is crucial, but his impact is often overshadowed by PSG’s star power.
• Vitinha’s endorsement could increase Ceballos’ visibility, potentially boosting his market value and international recognition.
• Ceballos’ next challenges include the Champions League and PSG’s Ligue 1 title defense, where his midfield control will be tested.

What do you think? Is Ceballos PSG’s most underrated player, or are there others who deserve more recognition? Share your thoughts in the comments below.