Paris Saint-Germain had one of the most intriguing transfer windows last summer – one that occurs quite frequently in FIFA career modes and other simulation games.
Out of all the incomings that happened, the one with the least amount of hype is one of the ones that has been the most successful.
Nuno Mendes’ transfer from Sporting CP to PSG was one of the deals that went under the radar amid the hype surrounding the other transfers last summer, and yet it is one deal that PSG will be thankful for in the coming years.
The following visualisation shows where the Portuguese defender ranks in some key offensive and defensive metrics compared to other left-backs from Europe’s top five leagues.
Nuno Mendes Radar Chart
Nuno Mendes, on loan from Sporting CP, has lived up to the reputation so far.
The left-back, known for his pace, is one of the best dribblers in Europe and ranks in the 88th percentile for Dribbles per 90 minutes.
Nuno Mendes’ positioning and awareness are the most significant strengths in Nuno Mendes’ style of play, putting him in the 92nd percentile for PAdj Interceptions per 90 minutes.
The 19-year-old left-back also wins a high percentage of his duels, as indicated in the visual.
The Sporting CP loanee is not a frequent crosser of the ball, which is quite surprising and puts him in only the 43rd percentile for crosses per 90 minutes.
He is also one of PSG’s best creators when on the pitch and hence ranks in the 81st percentile for xA per 90.
The Portuguese is gradually becoming PSG’s first-choice left-back.
Considering what Nuno Mendes can achieve when placed in the right environment, PSG will be more than satisfied with the outcome of this transfer deal and will likely look to make it permanent in the next window.
