Hugo Ekitike can't replace Kylian Mbappe - but PSG do have a gem on their hands: Five things we learned as French champions' young forward shines in Cerezo Osaka pre-season defeat
The 21-year-old grabbed a goal and an assist on Friday, and should be in for a bigger role in at Parc des Princes this season
Hugo Ekitike grabbed the opener and assisted Paris Saint-Germain's second to mark a fine performance in an otherwise disappointing 3-2 defeat to Japanese side Cerezo Osaka in Friday's pre-season friendly.
Ekitike's opener came in fine fashion, the young Frenchman meeting an angled ball from Warren Zaire-Emery for a close-range stab. He almost had a second, too, but saw his effort ruled out for a narrow offside in the build up.
Osaka played their part here, and suddenly didn't make things easy for the Parisians. Jordy Croux equalised midway through the first half, latching onto a mistake from new signing Milan Skriniar and running through for an easy finish. Ekitike almost created a PSG second before half-time, but Ismael Gharbi had a header saved.
Ekitike eventually grabbed his assist in the second half, though. After receiving a pass from Vitinha, he swivelled slightly and flicked the ball into space with a controlled backheel, right back into the Portuguese's path, who couldn't miss. Still, PSG couldn't hold onto their lead, as Osaka substitute Sota Kitano bagged the home side's second after a well-constructed move, rattling a long-range effort into the far corner with Gianluigi Donnarumma glued to the ground.
And a third came shortly after, albeit amid controversy. Haruki Arai appeared to foul Cher Ndour in the PSG box, but play was waved on. The youngster found former Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa, who hit a wonderful curled effort into the top corner.
PSG manager Luis Enrique will likely be displeased with the result here, but with Ekitike rounding into form, he might just feel better
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