Paris Saint-Germain's squad rotation under Luis Enrique reveals a clear hierarchy of endurance. While some stars are shielded from excessive minutes in Ligue 1, Vitinha has become an ever-present figure, logging a staggering 2,008 domestic minutes so far this season.
The Portuguese midfielder is part of a trio of iron men at the club. Alongside Willian Pacho (1,915 minutes) and Warren Zaïre-Emery (an impressive 2,396 minutes), Vitinha has been the engine room for PSG. In contrast, key players like Marquinhos and Ousmane Dembélé have been carefully managed, with only 869 and 931 minutes respectively. The disparity is stark: the trio combined for over 6,000 minutes while the two stars barely exceed 1,800.
What makes Vitinha's workload even more remarkable is his Champions League participation. Both he and Pacho have played every single minute of the competition this campaign, underlining their importance to Luis Enrique's system. The manager clearly distinguishes between players who need rest and those whose bodies can handle the relentless schedule. This approach reflects a data-driven management style where minutes are allocated based on performance and physical resilience.
Luis Enrique's approach seems to be based on individual physical capacities. The Brazilian defender Marquinhos and French winger Dembélé are among those protected in league matches to ensure their peak performance in crucial ties. Meanwhile, Vitinha, Pacho, and Zaïre-Emery have proven they can maintain consistent high levels without significant degradation.
This distribution of minutes highlights a strategic decision-making process that prioritizes squad harmony and long-term fitness. Vitinha's durability and reliability have made him indispensable, a go-to player for both domestic and European challenges. As the season progresses, his endurance will be vital for PSG's ambitions across all fronts.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.