\n<\/p>\n
The first year in France proved difficult. <\/p>\n
While he made 48 appearances in all competitions as PSG won Ligue 1, Christophe Galtier’s top-heavy team, built around Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, did not suit the diminutive midfielder, who had to do more defensive work.<\/p>\n
There were even reports of a training ground altercation with Messi, which Vitinha vehemently denied, but things were soon on the up once Luis Enrique took over in the summer of 2023.<\/p>\n
With Messi and Neymar having moved on, Enrique opted for a more holistic approach and a possession-based system.<\/p>\n
That allowed Vitinha to flourish, as he was named in the Champions League and Ligue 1 Team of the Season as the Parisians won a domestic treble and he then featured for Portugal at the 2024 Euros.<\/p>\n
Vitinha’s third season is when he truly became PSG’s midfield maestro however, dictating the tempo of games and starting attacks with his superb passing range.<\/p>\n
He completed more passes than any other player in PSG’s successful Champions League run.<\/p>\n
He also provided an assist for Desire Doue’s second goal in the stunning 5-0 final win over Inter Milan.<\/p>\n