Vitinha has reserved praise for Ousmane Dembele’s leadership role at PSG and ‘very important’ Achraf Hakimi for his contributions.
Vitinha made the remarks on Dembele and Hakimi just before PSG host Liverpool in the quarter-final of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is PSG’s leading scorer this season with 14 goals across all competitions.
“Ousmane has always been a leader, even last season,” Vitinha said in a press conference.
“When you see what he does on the pitch, what he brings to the team, he transmits that to all his teammates.
“He is even more of a leader since the Ballon d’Or, but it’s something that comes naturally to him. He knows how to speak when it’s required, he’s a true leader.”
Hakimi is important to PSG
On Hakimi who marked his 200th appearance for the Parisians over the weekend, Vitinha said: “He’s a fundamental part of our team.
“What he does on the pitch, whether defensively or going forward and what he can contribute there.
“He’s a complete player, a player who is very important for our team, and I hope he’ll keep going in the same vein.”
Hakimi has been an ever-present in PSG’s defence since his return from Morocco’s successful campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The trio of Vitinha, Dembele and Hakimi are expected to feature against Liverpool on Wednesday.
