Paris Saint-Germain kicked off Matchday 23 of the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Metz at the Parc des Princes this past Saturday. Following the dominant performance, defender Lucas Hernandez, aged 30, spoke to the media in the mixed zone about the significant debut of 18-year-old midfielder Dro Fernandez. Fernandez, who joined the Parisian club from FC Barcelona during the winter transfer window, made his first start for PSG and has already garnered praise for his early contributions.
Hernandez was particularly impressed with the young talent, stating, “He’s a great player for the future.” He elaborated on Fernandez’s impact, highlighting the midfielder’s composure and confidence on the pitch. “He’s a young player, like many on this team. He brings a lot of composure and confidence. We gave him a fantastic welcome, and he’s growing in confidence. We hope he continues like this because he’s a player who can give us a lot.”
The veteran defender revealed the team’s simple yet effective message to Fernandez before the match: “Before the match, we mainly told him to do what he knows how to do. He’s a young player with a lot of talent. Technically, he’s very strong. We told him to play like he does in training, comfortably and calmly. It showed: he had a very good match. He’s a great player for the future.”
Fernandez’s Promising Integration
It’s evident that Dro Fernandez has seamlessly integrated into the PSG squad. The atmosphere within the team appears to be one of strong support and encouragement for the young midfielder as he navigates his early career in Paris. His initial performances have already showcased a wealth of promising signs, demonstrating both exceptional technical ability and astute vision on the field.
Fernandez has managed to adapt to the Parisian style of play with a surprising degree of ease, a testament to his rapid assimilation into the team’s dynamics. While acknowledging that perfection is a continuous journey, his adaptation has been remarkably swift.
Areas for Development
As is natural for a player of his age and experience at the highest level, there are naturally areas where Fernandez will need to refine his game. Some automatic footballing reflexes are still in the process of being ingrained, requiring dedicated work and development.
Furthermore, the 18-year-old exhibited certain limitations in physical duels, which is an expected part of the learning curve when competing at the elite level and undertaking the necessary physical conditioning for his age. This is particularly common for players transitioning from La Liga to Ligue 1, where the initial months can often present significant challenges.
Patience and Potential
The consensus among the squad and observers alike is that a degree of patience will be crucial for Dro Fernandez’s development. He requires time to mature and hone his skills. As Lucas Hernandez rightly pointed out, Fernandez is a player “for the future.” However, even in the present, his performances are already hinting at a bright and impactful career ahead for Paris Saint-Germain. His ability to contribute significantly so early in his tenure suggests he is well on track to becoming a valuable asset for the club.
