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Paul-Georges Ntep (33), a former forward for AJ Auxerre and Rennes, among other clubs, who retired in 2024, was questioned by L’Equipe about his preference between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (a 25-year-old striker) and Désiré Doué (a 20-year-old midfielder/forward) for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League round of 16 second leg against Chelsea on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge (kick-off at 9 pm, CET).

Ntep: “100%, they are both equally good.”

At this level, and even more so with this season’s PSG, where you can tell some players are past their peak, you need to make your decision based on form. On what you observe during training. 100%, they’re both equally skilled. With different styles, they can be effective against various types of opponents. Kvara, who is capable of scoring remarkable goals, is more of a traditional winger. Doué offers more flexibility; he can operate between the lines, link up play. He also has a more mobile and roaming approach.

Ntep: “If I had to decide in a Champions League final, I’d choose both.”

“But if I had to decide based on form for Tuesday, I’d go with Kvarat-Khelaifi. He’s in great shape. Much better than his goals in the first match. Doué seems to be having trouble finding his rhythm this season. However, the day after tomorrow, if I had to pick for a Champions League final, I’d choose both of them.” I’m keeping Barcola on the bench. He provides fewer assurances in terms of effectiveness. And you’ll likely have to handle, in this kind of game, a match with limited space. I know I’ll have a very strong alternative on the bench.

Everything now seems logical, with Kvaratskhelia delivering an outstanding performance when he entered in the first match, whereas Doué’s display was more inconsistent. Nevertheless, the Georgian player has also been underwhelming in recent weeks, and it was the Parisian number 14 who stood out against Monaco in the playoffs. Regardless, Ntep correctly highlights the key point: both players can certainly secure a starting position.

It might be challenging for Bradley Barcola (the 23-year-old forward), who found the net in the first match. However, he still has areas to enhance regarding his decision-making in attack. It’s not impossible that Warren Zaïre-Emery (the 20-year-old midfielder) could sit on the bench following over 30 straight starts, which is naturally causing some fatigue. Doué can operate in midfield, possessing the skill to break free from pressure when Chelsea attempt to take control of the game. Doué also contributes defensively, a aspect that was frequently neglected in his performance during the first leg. This includes his capability to ease the burden on the Blues.

PSG’s decisions go beyond just two players. Luis Enrique has created intense competition, a strong feeling of unity, and flexibility within the team. Additionally, Lee Kang-In (a 25-year-old midfielder/forward) could also play a role. No matter the selections, we are aware that Paris will have some intriguing alternatives on the bench. This is a significant advantage that has been overlooked for too long due to injuries. Although it’s reasonable that this is an issue, it would be the same everywhere.