The Belgian international, linked with Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, has spearheaded PSG’s Champions League progression.
While experts focused on the Xavi-esque brilliance of Marco Verratti, the iron-fist domination of Adrien Rabiot and the lethal finishing of Angel Di Maria, one man’s centre-stage role in PSG’s 4-0 Champions League thrashing of Barcelona went somewhat under the radar.
Yet Thomas Meunier’s all-round performance, capped by a perfectly weighted pass to set up Cavani and Les Parisiens’ fourth, merely reinforced the notion that he is one of last summer’s most astute signings. Therefore, Tottenham Hotspur could have been forgiven for kicking themselves that they were unable to secure the £5 million Club Brugge right-back, as reported by ESPN.
Yet, according to Meunier himself, choosing White Hart Lane over the Parc Des Princes was never really a possibility.
“I had a choice between six or seven clubs that were really serious with their offers,” the Euro 2016 star told Telefoot. “Most of them came from England: West Ham, Middlesbrough, there was Tottenham at one point.
“And then, finally, PSG entered into the race and I had a greater chance of making it in the Champions League with them.”
With Unai Emery’s side stamping one foot into the quarter-finals and Tottenham now out of Europe altogether, Meunier’s decision has already been vindicated.
Furthermore, having ousted Serge Aurier in the PSG starting XI, the 25-year-old now appears to have cemented his place in the Ligue 1 champions’ starting XI, supplementing his excellent Barca performance with an excellent assist for Julian Draxler in Sunday’s 5-1 thrashing away at Marseille.
His chances of making an impact at Tottenham, with Kyle Walker and the always impressive Kieran Trippier in reserve, always appeared far more unlikely.
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