Luis Enrique hails Mika Godts as "a top-level striker" ahead of Rennes trip

Luis Enrique made no secret of his enthusiasm for Mika Godts during his press conference on Saturday, ahead of the visit of Rennes for Ligue 1’s opening day. The 21-year-old Belgian winger, recruited this summer from Ajax for €45 million — with a further €10 million in potential bonuses — has clearly impressed his manager from his first steps at the club.

“Mika Godts is a top-level striker, he has individual quality. He can play anywhere, he has the mentality, you can see it the first time you talk to him,” said the Spanish coach. Luis Enrique also stressed the importance of this mental dimension for a player joining a squad with such a demanding trophy record: “It’s very important for us to know that a player has the ambition to play and improve the team that has won the Champions League twice.”

The Paris manager tempered expectations by recalling the realities of any recruitment: “It’s always complicated when you think about signing players who can help the team. Many players want to join us, but it’s difficult to find the player we think can improve the team. You have to know how long it takes to adapt.”

The question of Godts’ first call-up with PSG remains open. The match against Rennes on Sunday at 8:45 p.m. could mark the official debut of the Belgian international in Paris colours.