Rabiot represents the future of Paris Saint-Germain

In Paris Saint-Germain’s world of superstars, Adrien Rabiot is an anomaly. The 23-year-old isn’t part of a multi-million dollar transfer but rather came through the French club’s youth academy.

His career has been more modest compared to certain of his more established teammates but it is no exaggeration to say that the Frenchman is more than capable of holding his own, especially in PSG’s environment of inflated egos.

Indeed Rabiot has grown with the passage of time and has been able to cement a starting position in the French champions’ midfield. Tactically astute combined with an eye for a killer pass; he certainly has all the traits to see him become a true midfield maestro despite his lack of pace.

PSG coach Thomas Tuchel’s decision to hand Rabiot the captaincy during the Parisian club’s games against Arsenal and Atlético Madrid in the International Champions Cup in Singapore only adds weight to his growing stature.

I remember before the game against Arsenal, Rabiot asked Gianluigi Buffon if he would like to accompany him to the coin toss. It was a nice gesture from the midfielder as he showed that being given the armband had not caused him to lose his manners.

Significantly, his performances against Atleti and Arsenal were impressive as he moulded himself into the heartbeat of the team. Alongside Marco Verratti, he kept the team ticking and was adept at finding spaces even in the tightest of corners.

Additionally, Rabiot is able to act as a safe haven when his team needs to just keep hold of the ball and control the tempo. At just 23, the midfielder is yet to reach his peak and Tuchel must do his best to keep hold of him.

It is always difficult when a club such as Barcelona come knocking but PSG will be on the losing side should they allow him to leave. After all Rabiot isn’t afraid to make a bold decision when his talents are unappreciated as seen with his ugly spat with French national team coach, Didier Deschamps.

For a man whose past is intricately linked with the club, he represents the future of PSG and all that is right about the club.