"Tonnerre de Brest" is one of Captain Haddock's favorite swear words.
“Throne in Brest” will perhaps be that of Captain Verratti.
The little Italian was once again one of the best Parisians on the field, during the victory against Brest (3-0), which is not a surprise.
But the novelty is this neon yellow armband that was wrapped around his left arm.
It is the first time that he has been appointed captain of PSG this season since Mauricio Pochettino had preferred to put Marquinhos on the bench in anticipation of the reception of Barcelona.
It is quite rare to see the Italian take the lead.
The first time dates back to December 18, 2019 in the Coupe de la Ligue at Le Mans (1-4).
Marquinhos, twenty minutes from the end, had left the lawn and gave his armband to Verratti.
Two months earlier, he had also been named captain of Italy against Liechtenstein.
But with PSG, it remains unusual, especially at kick-off.
Verratti, who likes to talk so much to the referees themselves, and especially, when it is not necessary, was this time the designated interlocutor.
Coolness and precision
In his new positioning, higher up on the pitch, he set the tone from the start.
On his first ball, he immediately tried to find Mbappé in depth twenty meters further.
Missed.
But his usual tireless piston between the lines will quickly pay off.
In the central circle, he blocks Fadiga, recovers the ball and immediately throws Mbappé on goal.
It is also for his passing quality that Pochettino has positioned him so high.
All that remains then is the Italian launch pad to admire the Mbappé rocket take off, put Duverne to death, and open the scoring (0-1, 9th).
Verratti thought that a stuttering of history would be welcome.
In the area, he finds Mbappé perfectly, whose strike crashes on the left post of Cibois (35th).
As if moderated by its function, it does not disperse in vain disputes.
On the contrary, it displays the range of its qualities such as composure in small perimeters or precision in passing.
Improving complicated situations, he offers Mbappé the third goal by centering him on the chest (0-3, 73rd).
His last ball before leaving the lawn all smiles and think of Barça, where he had shone on the first leg.
Without the armband, everything already seemed easy with him.
With, it's even better.