How Sakina Karchaoui's Versatility Enhances Fabrice Abriel's Tactics At PSG Féminines

David Astill - Total Football Analyst

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Sakina Karchaoui was generally regarded as a star of the French women’s game before her 2021 move to PSG Féminines.

Still, her game has undoubtedly reached new levels as her time in the French capital has gone on.

Some wondered if she was capable of playing at such a high level in the Première Ligue (as the French women’s top flight is now known), with the 2020/21 campaign being one in which she endured a run of mediocre performances at rivals Lyon Féminin.

However, she has proven those doubters wrong and is now arguably one of the first names on the PSG teamsheet.

As her career has progressed, she has predominantly played left-back, but she has also operated in other roles.

This is something that new head coach Fabrice Abriel (who left Fleury 91 Féminines over the summer and subsequently replaced now-London City Lionesses coach Jocelyn Prêcheur at Stade Jean-Bouin) has really looked to exploit, with her seen playing on the wing and in central midfield in some matches.

Given her unmistakable quality as a full-back, this might seem like a strange decision for Abriel to make.

Still, as this tactical analysis will indicate, it is actually a smart one.

It enables her talents to benefit the team in many different and perhaps surprising ways.

Sakina Karchaoui At Left-Back

Before discussing what she offers in those alternative positions, though, it is essential to first understand why Sakina Karchaoui has become one of the best players in the French women’s game.

It is clear whenever watching her that PSG always have a better chance of winning whenever she is involved.

Sakina Karchaoui offers high passing options on the wing when her team are in possession.