Making his first start for PSG, Dro impressed with his ball control but was questioned by the French media regarding his tackling ability and physical strength.
Making his first start for PSG, Dro impressed with his ball control but was questioned by the French media regarding his tackling ability and physical strength.
Dro made his first start for PSG in the 3-0 victory against Metz, bottom of Ligue 1. The numbers show that the Filipino-born player's debut was not bad at all: 53 touches, 42 passes, and 39 accurate passes. He participated in the ball circulation of the Parc des Princes team quite smoothly.
However, the French press doesn't see things through rose-tinted glasses. L'Équipe assesses Dro as still "more of a project than a reality." According to journalist Hugo Delom's analysis, the midfielder shows unique qualities, but is still quite fragile in physical challenges. He struggles in one-on-one duels and hasn't yet been able to maintain high-intensity bursts of speed.
The biggest issue highlighted is physical fitness. L'Équipe believes a leap in physical condition will determine Dro's future at Paris. The club believes he needs to strengthen his physique, especially his lower body, to better withstand impacts and maintain sharpness when the game opens up at a high pace. Without improving in this area, adapting to Ligue 1 will not be easy.
Nevertheless, Dro still left his mark professionally. He handled the ball neatly in tight spaces, produced a backheel goal that thrilled the crowd, and made several quick two-touch touches. French media described it as a blend of street football and academy football, something often associated with La Masia.
His teammates showered him with praise. Gonçalo Ramos called Dro "a very special player" and said he had settled in as if he had been at PSG for a long time, even though he had only been there for a month.
After the match, Dro admitted he was surprised by the intensity of Ligue 1. “I thought the level would be lower. But in every match, the opponents were strong and physically fit. I have to keep working hard to succeed,” he shared.
The question L'Équipe posed is also what fans have been waiting for: How long will it take for Dro to truly make a difference?