Zabarnyi's first season at PSG was challenging

Illia Zabarnyi faced difficulties during his first season at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), failing to replicate the form he showed at Bournemouth. His performances were marked by struggles in duels and defensive errors, including mistakes in his own penalty area.

PSG's competition for Zabarnyi's spot

Zabarnyi, signed in the summer of 2025, faced competition from Marquinhos, a key defender at PSG. He did not fully establish himself in the previous season, often being overshadowed by the Brazilian center-back.

Zabarnyi shows improvement in 2025–26 season

This season, Zabarnyi has started regularly in Ligue 1 and demonstrated more confidence and authority. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised the 24-year-old, noting his growth and expressing confidence in his ability to defend without mistakes.

Upcoming Champions League match as a test

Zabarnyi may get a chance to prove himself in the Champions League this week, as Marquinhos is injured and expected to miss the match against Villarreal. This would be his fourth Champions League start since joining PSG.

Doubts remain about Zabarnyi's defensive skills

Despite his progress, questions remain about Zabarnyi's suitability for his role. According to Le Parisien, some believe he is too large for his position and needs to improve in winning duels and imposing himself tactically. The Ukrainian defender must meet the high expectations set by PSG's significant investment in his transfer.