Ukrainian defender Ilya Zabarnyi scored the only goal in PSG's victorious match against Troyes in the tenth round of Ligue 1. The player, who previously became the champion of France, received the award for the best player of the match and attributed his performance to hard work. This was reported by Tribuna.com.
Zabarnyi's goal brought PSG victory on November 7
The Parisians defeated Troyes at home with a score of 1:0. The decisive moment occurred in the 39th minute: after a corner kick, Senny Meiulu delivered the ball into the penalty area, and Zabarnyi won the aerial duel and scored with a header.
The Ukrainian played the entire match. Following the game, Ligue 1 recognized him as the best player of the match. Thus, the center-back not only helped the team keep a clean sheet but also secured the winning result.
For the 24-year-old footballer, this was his fourth consecutive start for PSG in all tournaments. If considering only the French championship, he has started five matches in a row.
This series shows that Zabarnyi's role at PSG has become more stable in recent weeks. At the same time, the defender himself explains the playing time with work and focus on training and matches.
Ilya Zabarnyi's comment: what the defender said after the match
After the victory, the Ukrainian noted the physical readiness of the team. In his opinion, PSG needs to maintain the current approach and continue to work, as the team mechanisms are functioning well.
«We didn’t do anything special, just continue to work, do our job, and now is our time,» said Zabarnyi.
Separately, the player expressed his thoughts on his own performance and return to regular play.
«I worked a lot, stayed focused, and now I’m playing in matches. I think I’m playing well, so I deserve this,» noted the defender.
After the victory, PSG earned 23 points and continued to lead the French championship standings. The team's next match in Ligue 1 is scheduled for November 21, when the Parisians will play away against Nice.
Zabarnyi, who topped the ranking of Ukrainian legionnaires' salaries, ended the match against Troyes with two personal achievements: the winning goal and recognition as the best player. His series of starts is now underpinned by a decisive contribution.