Paris Saint-Germain have identified Lucas Digne as the summer arrival causing the greatest concern at the club, with the France full-back yet to convince Luis Enrique after returning for €10m.
A report published on Monday by French newspaper L’Equipe said Digne’s start to life back at Paris Saint-Germain had been underwhelming, as the club continues to endure disappointing results at the beginning of the season.
Digne has not yet adapted to Luis Enrique’s style of play. That issue is considered understandable to some extent, given the stage of the campaign and the time required for a new player to settle into a demanding system.
However, concerns at Paris Saint-Germain extend beyond tactical adaptation. The club also believes Digne has not yet shown the mentality expected of him.
“Paris expects a different spirit from him, a more rebellious spirit,” L’Equipe reported.
Digne’s omission from the starting XI against Lille, despite Nuno Mendes being unavailable, has been viewed as an early warning from Luis Enrique to the former Barcelona player.
A source at Paris Saint-Germain said Digne must respond quickly and make a greater effort to challenge Mendes for the position.
“He has to wake up. There is no problem with him coming here and accepting the role of the second player, but he is not on holiday or semi-retired. We are not saying that this is the case, but we will not accept it. He has to fight and try to be better than Nuno because Nuno will not play every match. He has to struggle; that is also part of his adaptation,” the source said.
The club has also noted internally that Digne has not yet reached peak physical condition. That has been contrasted with the fitness levels of some of the other players who were involved in the World Cup.
Those close to Digne insist that he is “extremely determined” and ready to fight for a regular place in the team. Nevertheless, the player is thought to understand better than anyone that he must raise his performance level quickly.
His absence against Lille, in a match where an opportunity appeared to open up because of Mendes’ absence, has therefore taken on added significance. It has not been described as a definitive judgement on Digne, but it has underlined the standards expected of him by Luis Enrique and Paris Saint-Germain.
The club’s message is that Digne’s adaptation involves more than learning the team’s footballing principles. He must also demonstrate greater intensity, sharper competitive instincts and a willingness to fight for his place.
For now, those close to the player maintain that he is prepared to do exactly that. But with early doubts already emerging over a €10m summer return, Digne faces pressure to provide a prompt response and show that he can compete with Nuno Mendes rather than simply serve as his understudy.
