For Mitchel Bakker, the second half of 2020 turns into real luck.
Only 20 years old, the Dutchman recruited by PSG in the summer of 2019 from the academy of Ajax Amsterdam, discovers since this summer the responsibility of the post of titular left-back.
The opportunity will continue from this Sunday in Reims and over the next few weeks in the league since PSG must do without Juan Bernat (six months away) and Layvin Kurzawa (still suspended for five games).
"I'm ready, I feel good," Bakker confides this Saturday at a press briefing.
I am ready and I want to play.
This is my chance now.
I can show my abilities.
I hope to continue the matches and give everything for the team ”.
Already titular against Metz (1-0) and Nice (3-0), the Dutchman should logically continue his momentum.
Since this summer, he has won the confidence of Thomas Tuchel after having played all of the two cup finals won against Saint-Etienne (1-0) and OL (1-0).
"I feel 100% integrated into this team"
“It was very important for me to play these finals, a good experience.
In addition we won them, recalls Bakker, who speaks English.
The coach gives me a lot of confidence, it's important for all the players.
The first year was difficult because I had to learn from the group.
But everyone welcomed me and I feel 100% part of this team.
Now it's my turn to do the job ”.
Mitchel Bakker finally promises to "quickly" master the French.
Just as he brushes aside the rumors that accompanied his summer.
" I do not want to leave.
I am very happy here.
I want to stay and play, ”he concludes.
His moment has arrived.