Nuno Mendes higher up the pitch: A new option for PSG
When Nuno Mendes was deployed higher up the pitch against OGC Nice on Saturday, it immediately stood out as one of the more intriguing tactical choices made by Luis Enrique in recent weeks. Positioned on the left wing rather than his usual full-back role, the Portuguese international played a decisive part in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-0 victory, scoring once and providing an assist.
In open play, the benefits of such a shift were clear. Mendes’ pace and ability to attack space translated naturally to a more advanced position, allowing him to stretch the opposition and provide immediate vertical threat. His runs in behind and direct approach gave PSG an added dimension, particularly in transitions where his athleticism can be maximised. Freed from many of his defensive responsibilities, he was able to focus on destabilising the back line and supporting attacking phases more aggressively.
A context-dependent role
However, the experiment also highlighted some of the structural and stylistic limitations of using Mendes in this role over longer periods. Those who worked with him during his development at Sporting CP have consistently pointed out that he is at his best when facing the game and driving forward from deeper areas, rather than operating in tighter spaces higher up the pitch. Against compact, low defensive blocks, where space is limited and quick combinations are required, his influence becomes less consistent.
This distinction is important. Unlike natural wingers such as Bradley Barcola or Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Mendes does not rely on intricate dribbling or close control in confined areas to create opportunities. While he remains capable in one-on-one situations, his game is built more around acceleration and forward momentum than creativity in static attacking phases. At Nice, despite his decisive contributions, his overall involvement in sustained attacking play remained relatively limited.
For the role to function more consistently, PSG’s structure would need to adapt around him. The presence of technically secure midfielders such as Désiré Doué or Lee Kang-in could help facilitate combinations in tighter areas, while pushing Vitinha into more advanced positions may provide additional creative support. In this sense, Mendes’ effectiveness as a winger is closely tied to the collective balance rather than purely individual qualities.
There is also the question of defensive equilibrium. Moving Mendes further forward inevitably impacts the structure behind him, requiring adjustments at left-back. Options such as Lucas Hernandez may offer a more conservative profile in that role, but such changes alter the overall dynamic of the side, particularly in possession.
Ultimately, Saturday’s performance confirmed that Mendes can offer a credible and even dangerous alternative in advanced areas, particularly in matches where space is available and transitions are frequent. It gives Luis Enrique an additional tactical option, especially in the context of attacking absences or specific opposition profiles.
Yet, it does not fundamentally change the long-term assessment of his role. Nuno Mendes remains most impactful when attacking from deep, where he can build momentum and exploit space with greater consistency. Used higher up, he represents a valuable variation but one that depends heavily on context rather than serving as a permanent solution.
READ MORE:
>> Internationals: What's ahead for European players?
>> Dimitri Payet: "The one I connected with best was Gignac"
