PROFILE | PSG’s love affair with Uruguay continues as a combative Manuel Ugarte settles well into Luis Enrique’s side | OneFootball

Defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte (22) was signed by Paris Saint-Germain last summer to ail Les Parisiens’ woes in the middle of the park, and it is safe to say that the 22-year-old is currently fulfilling expectations in his first half-season at the Parc des Princes. He’s now a firm fan-favourite at the club, continuing PSG’s love affair with Uruguayan internationals since Edinson Cavani.

“Of course there’s pressure, but I knew what I was getting myself into,” the affable South American declared on signing for PSG. His profile was one which was coveted around Europe, and Les Parisiens had to compete hard with Chelsea for the eventual €60m move from Sporting Portugal. Whilst Ugarte wouldn’t publicly admit so, there was an inevitable amount of pressure from the price tag for the Uruguay international – and as one of the first symbolic signings of PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s self-proclaimed post-bling-bling era of the club.

Yet, a positive start to life under Luis Enrique saw that pressure dissipate with the combative Ugarte making his debut in the opening day goalless draw against FC Lorient. Whilst the Mbappé-less attack of PSG looked to struggle to create and score chances, it was Ugarte who dominated and came out of the contest with the most credit. After his first two outings he had won 10 duels; after four games his 41 possessions won were the most league-wide, and more than anyone since Thiago Motta’s 47 in 2012 at the same stage of their French top-flight careers.

Ugarte has dominated in Ligue 1, but is yet to find consistency on Champions League stage

“I’m a box-to-box player. I’d say I’m a seasoned player who always tries to win the ball back,” said Ugarte on signing for the club. He does exactly that. With smart defensive positioning and an eye for an interception, Ugarte at his very best is a dominant force in midfield whose work stands out as much as any offensive-minded PSG player. His relationship with Vitinha is one that is slowly building, the Portuguese midfielder acting as a sort of ‘relayer’ between midfield and attacking phases.

Whilst Ugarte has settled down well into life at PSG, there is still room for improvement for the 22-year-old (which will no doubt come with experience). One of these areas would be finding consistency. The combative midfielder quickly adapted to life in Ligue 1, but his dominant performances have yet been replicated on the biggest stage in the Champions League ; where he has been more often than not a passive shadow of his former self. In disappointing collective performances against Milan (2-1) and Newcastle (4-1) the Uruguayan was notably missing, usurped by the rise of fellow midfield partner Warren Zaïre-Emery (17). The focus and adulation on Zaïre-Emery shouldn’t bother Ugarte – they are different players after all – yet it should push the Uruguayan to improve performances on the Champions League stage. 2024 will be a key test to see if that is the case in the latter stages of the competition.

GFFN | George Boxall