Forget Kvaratskhelia, Luis Enrique has warned Arsenal about PSG star who’s like a ‘fighter jet’

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Arsenal will come up against a familiar opponent in the Champions League as Paris Saint-Germain await the Gunners. 

It was only in October that Arsenal beat PSG 2-0 at the Emirates during the league phase of the Champions League. 

On that night, Luis Enrique said Arsenal were ‘superior’ to PSG, but since then, a lot has changed for the Parisiens. 

PSG are operating at a greater level now as Enrique has cracked the code to get his side ticking, making the upcoming two-legged semi-final an occasion to behold.

• READ MORE: Luis Enrique just let one ‘difficult’ PSG secret slip, it’s a major advantage for Arsenal

Luis Enrique warns Arsenal about Nuno Mendes

Arsenal have been warned of PSG’s threat, just as the Ligue 1 champions have been warned about the Gunners. 

French media are wary of what Arsenal could do to PSG, particularly after how Mikel Arteta’s squad thrashed Real Madrid in the quarter-final. 

Though Arsenal will approach the tie with confidence after dismantling Real Madrid, the North Londoners will be wary of their semi-final opponent.

After signing in January, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a former target of Arsenal’s, has hit the ground running, but he’s not the only element of Enrique’s squad that Arteta should fear.

Prior to PSG’s draw against FC Nantes, Enrique showered praise on Nuno Mendes, a player he described as a ‘unique’ profile that he loves dearly.

“He’s a fighter jet: in attack, in defence… I love this player and his mentality,” Enrique told the media in a press conference.

“No matter what the game, he always gives 100%. He’s a unique player. He can score, pass, defend… He’s very difficult to get past. His performances are wonderful.”

Mendes showed his threat as he scored against Aston Villa both home and away in the quarter-final, but the left-back is not invincible.

Nuno Mendes’ strength could also be his weakness vs Arsenal

Enrique’s praise of the defender was ironic as his pre-match comments did not resonate post-match.

Mendes was scolded by French media for his defensive display against Nantes, where he was described as having a ‘match to forget’. 

Though the Portugal international has been a standout for PSG this season, the fullback has had some difficult moments, moments that Arsenal could exploit.

In Ligue 1, Mendes ranks in the lower 23% for his rate of tackles won per 90, as per FBref, a weakness that might have Bukayo Saka licking his lips. 

PSG’s star-studded XI pose a great challenge for Arsenal, and vice versa, in what is set up to be a luxury tie worthy of the Champions League semi-final.