Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho silenced Kylian Mbappe and critics of his attitude with heroic display for Dortmund vs PSG
JADON SANCHO upstaged Kylian Mbappe for the second time in as many weeks – but this time for his defensive work.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League semi-final was supposed to be Mbappe’s stage to stake his claim as the best player in the world.
Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, robbed the French superstar of that chance.
His skills were constantly clipped up on social media during his first spell with Dortmund and a big part of the reason United forked out £73million to sign him.
But not many noted his hard work and graft and even from his highlights reel from the first leg – where he was impressive – the reaction to his display focused on his attacking play.
During a miserable time at Old Trafford which ended with his public falling out with Erik ten Hag last September, Sancho’s character has been questioned.
Yet Dortmund star Sancho has thrived in an environment where he is loved and encouraged.
His performances, on the biggest of stages, are making things all the more awkward and frankly embarrassing for United.
Sancho is now delivering on all the promise that was bundled up in his move three years ago – just back in the yellow and black of Dortmund.
In last week’s first leg, Dortmund forward Sancho showed every aspect of his attacking arsenal, mazy runs, intelligent passing and quick feet as the Germans gained a crucial 1-0 lead.
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That was still on display in the second leg but the England attacker also stood up and took responsibility by shackling Mbappe in the cauldron of the Parc des Princes.
Everyone knows Sancho has the flicks and the tricks in his back pocket.
But no Dortmund player won possession more often than Sancho’s seven on Tuesday night, even though he was withdrawn after 67 minutes following an almighty shift in Paris.
In fact, Sancho topped the charts for winning the ball back among the Dortmund squad across both semi-final legs – doing so on 14 occasions.
Trailing to Niclas Fullkrug’s winner in Germany, PSG looked for an early route back only for Sancho to get on the ball, drive forward and get his side into the game.
He successfully took on more players than anyone else on the pitch in the first half, drew fouls and took the pressure off to remarkable effect.
But, as well as providing an outlet in attack, Sancho’s work off the ball was noticed.
He supported full-back Julian Ryerson efficiently in the effort to stop Parisian wonderboy Mbappe.
There will of course be encouragement at the player United may get back.
But settling back into Manchester seems a complicated process, especially if boss Ten Hag stays in post.
Dortmund want to offer an easy solution, though there will be complications over the finances.
And with this form may nudge the price back up from what could have been a bargain.
For now, they will just enjoy the talents of a player back at his absolute best – working tirelessly on and off the ball.
