Kimpembe's Goal Scoring Record at PSG: A Comprehensive Analysis
## Kimpembe's Goal Scoring Record at PSG: A Comprehensive Analysis
While primarily celebrated as one of world football’s most commanding central defenders, Presnel Kimpembe has also developed a surprisingly potent scoring touch for Paris Saint-Germain. Though not his primary function, his contributions in attack add valuable dimension to the team. Let's break down his goal-scoring legacy at PSG.
### The Basic Numbers & Trends
Since making his Ligue 1 debut in January 2018 (and becoming a regular starter soon after), Kimpembe has consistently chipped in with goals. **In all competitions for PSG**, he typically averages around **3-4 goals per season**. These strikes predominantly come from set-piece situations – powerfulheaders from corners or free kicks deep inside his own half/penalty area mark his speciality. Crucially, many are vital late winners or equalizers, showcasing perfect timing and positional awareness rather than pure volume. His best season came during the truncated 2019/20 campaign (winning the title), where he netted five times.
### Key Traits Making Him Dangerous
* **Aerial Prowess:** Standing tall at over 1m90cm, his leap and strength make him a formidable target man in the box during phases of play. Opposition defences struggle to contain him among taller outball carriers.
* **Timing & Runs:** Kimpembe possesses an excellent instinct for when to break late into the opposition penalty area, often arriving unmarked to meet crosses or loose balls. He reads the game intelligently to support attacks without abandoning defensive responsibility.
* **Finishing Clarity:** When presented with a clear chance on goal – whether flicking on a header or getting a fortunate deflection – he shows composure and technique to finish clinically. He rarely wastes opportunities.
### Impact & Significance
His goals carry significant weight. They frequently decide tight matches (like Champions League knockouts), secure crucial points against domestic rivals (Marseille, Lyon), or break deadlocks. For a defender, especially one tasked with marking star forwards, contributing directly to goalscoring demonstrates elite athleticism and football intelligence. Each strike reinforces that he is far more than just a ball-playing destroyer; he remains a genuine threat from set pieces throughout ninety minutes.
### Comparison & Future Outlook
While trailing behind offensive specialists, Kimpembe ranks respectably among modern attacking centre-backs like Virgil van Dijk or Ruben Dias in terms of consistent seasonal output from defence. As long as he maintains his injury record and continues to dominate aerially, expect him to remain a key weapon for PSG in both open play and dead-ball situations for years to come. His blend of defensive solidity and offensive threat makes him uniquely valuable.
