Maxwell Compares PSG's Nuno Mendes to Brazilian Legends Roberto Carlos and Marcelo
Former Paris Saint-Germain defender Maxwell has drawn lofty comparisons for current left-back Nuno Mendes, likening the Portuguese international's style to Brazilian greats Roberto Carlos and Marcelo. The comments, made in an interview with French publication L'Équipe, come as Mendes and PSG prepare to face Liverpool in the Champions League, a fixture where the 22-year-old has impressed in the past.
Maxwell, who won multiple league titles with PSG between 2012 and 2017, highlighted Mendes's unique blend of physical and technical attributes. "He has the power of Roberto Carlos and he is more defensive than him, but in the final 30 metres, he is still below," Maxwell stated, noting Roberto Carlos's exceptional passing range. He added, "Nuno is less technical than Marcelo but more powerful. In fact, he has a truly modern game; it's difficult to compare."
The former full-back suggested Mendes's versatility makes him a rare talent in the modern game. Maxwell pointed to the player's ability to operate both inside and outside, drawing a parallel to Dani Alves's role at Barcelona and the intelligent positioning of former Germany captain Philipp Lahm, albeit with greater physicality. Nuno Mendes, who joined PSG permanently from Sporting CP in 2022 for a reported fee of €38 million after an initial loan, has established himself as a key component of manager Luis Enrique's system.
His development this season has been marked by consistent performances, contributing both defensively and in attack with his explosive runs from deep. The context of Maxwell's praise is significant, given the source's own esteemed career in the position and his deep understanding of the demands at the Parc des Princes. Such endorsement from a club legend underscores the high regard in which Mendes is held within the PSG ecosystem.
For PSG, Mendes represents a long-term solution on the left flank, a position they have sought to solidify for several seasons. His progression aligns with the club's strategy of building around a younger core of players. The comparisons, while flattering, also set a high benchmark for the defender's continued growth, especially in the decisive attacking areas highlighted by Maxwell.
The immediate focus for Mendes is the upcoming European challenge against Liverpool, a stage where his 'modern' skill set will be rigorously tested. His performance could further validate the high praise and solidify his status as one of the world's premier full-backs. For now, the endorsement from a former star provides a compelling snapshot of a player whose influence at PSG continues to rise.
