Sunday Oliseh Names Nuno Mendes as PSG’s Best Player Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Posted : 14 April 2026

Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has identified Nuno Mendes as the most influential player within the current Paris Saint-Germain squad. Speaking on his "Global Football Insights" podcast, the veteran tactician praised the Portuguese defender's consistency and work rate. His comments come just before PSG face a critical UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield this Tuesday.

Oliseh deliberately overlooked high-profile attackers such as Ousmane Dembele and midfield engine Vitinha when making his selection. He argued that Mendes offers a unique dynamic to the French champions that often goes underappreciated by casual observers. The 23-year-old left-back has been a fixture in Luis Enrique’s starting lineup, providing both defensive stability and an attacking threat.

The former Juventus and Dortmund star described Mendes’ technical and physical attributes as being "out of this world." He specifically highlighted a recent domestic performance where the defender continued to play despite nursing an injury. Oliseh noted that the player’s refusal to leave the pitch demonstrated a level of commitment essential for top-tier European success.

In a nostalgic comparison, Oliseh likened Mendes to former Chelsea and Nigerian international defender Celestine Babayaro. He remarked that the Portuguese international possesses the same explosive overlapping ability that Babayaro displayed during his peak years in the Premier League. This comparison underscores the high regard in which Oliseh holds the young full-back's athletic profile.

Paris Saint-Germain enters the second leg at Anfield needing a disciplined performance to progress to the semi-finals. While much of the media focus remains on the club's creative forwards, Oliseh believes the defensive transition led by Mendes will be the deciding factor. He suggested that neutralizing Liverpool's wide threats will depend heavily on the left-back's individual duels.

Mendes has enjoyed a productive 2025/2026 campaign, recovering fully from previous long-term fitness issues to regain his status as one of Europe’s elite defenders. His ability to recover ground and deliver precise crosses has made him a vital outlet for PSG’s transition play. Oliseh insisted that the player's tactical intelligence often masks the team's defensive vulnerabilities.

As the Champions League reaches its business end, the opinions of former greats like Oliseh continue to spark debate among fans. While Dembele remains the primary source of flair, the "Naze Millionaire" legend is convinced that the foundation of PSG’s success lies in the backline. All eyes will be on Mendes tonight to see if he can live up to this high praise on the European stage.

Sunday Oliseh Names Nuno Mendes as PSG’s Best Player Ahead of Liverpool Clash

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