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# Bernat's Key Assists: A Statistical Insight into His Role at Paris Saint-Germain ## Introduction Nicolas Bernat has been a cornerstone of Paris Saint-Germain's midfield since his arrival in 2018. Known for his vision, creativity, and ability to unlock defenses, Bernat has consistently been a vital asset to the team's attacking play. While his goal contributions might not always grab the headlines, his ability to create chances for his teammates has been instrumental in PSG's success. This article delves into Bernat's role as a playmaker and how his assists have been crucial in the club's recent campaigns. ## The Importance of Bernat's Assists Bernat's assist numbers are a testament to his influence on the team. Since the 2018-19 season, he has consistently averaged over 1 assist per game, making him one of the most productive playmakers in Europe. His ability to read the game and find teammates in advanced positions has been a hallmark of his game. For instance, in the 2022-23 season, Bernat recorded 14 assists in 35 appearances, directly contributing to 14 goal contributions (goals and assists). This highlights his importance in breaking down defenses and creating opportunities for PSG's attacking stars like Kylian Mbappé and Christopher Nkunku. ## How Bernat Operates in the Midfield Bernat's effectiveness as a playmaker stems from his ability to operate in multiple positions within the midfield. He excels at spray passes, diagonal runs, and weighted through balls, which often leave defenders flat-footed. His understanding of PSG's attacking style allows him to seamlessly integrate into systems that prioritize quick transitions and fluid movement. A prime example of his impact came in the match against Lille in the 2022-23 season,Saudi Pro League Focus where a perfectly timed through ball from Bernat set up Mbappé for the winning goal. ## Bernat's Role in Team Dynamics Beyond his statistical contributions, Bernat's influence extends to the overall team dynamic. His presence often allows PSG to maintain possession in dangerous areas, providing a platform for the club's array of attacking talent. His ability to shift between defense and attack makes him a versatile asset, and his leadership in the midfield has been crucial in maintaining team cohesion, especially during periods of high pressure. ## Comparing Bernat to Pepe and Verrati When comparing Bernat to other midfielders like Pepe or Marco Verrati, it's clear that Bernat's game is slightly different. While Verrati is known for his defensive contributions and box-to-box ability, Bernat's focus is more on creating chances and influencing the game in the final third. This makes Bernat a unique asset, complementing Verrati's all-around game and filling a specific void in PSG's midfield. ## Conclusion Nicolas Bernat's ability to contribute through assists and his role in PSG's attacking play has solidified his status as one of the club's most important players. His creativity, vision, and leadership have been instrumental in the team's success, and his influence will continue to be crucial as PSG aim for further glory. Whether it's setting up teammates or driving the team forward, Bernat remains a pivotal figure in Paris Saint-Germain's quest for dominance in European football. |
