On 2 May, PSG host Lorient in a game that could have them secure one hand on the Ligue 1 trophy. Should Les Parisiens ultimately see off the stubborn chasing of Lens it will be their 12th title in 14 years.

In recent seasons much of that dominance has derived from a terrific midfield, illuminated primarily by Vitinha, a player who arrived in Paris to distinctly mixed fanfare in 2022. On his arrival, the fan forums were awash with doubts concerning his pedigree, with many questioning the decision to release Leandro Paredes to make way for him, and others pointing out that the Portuguese international had so recently underwhelmed on loan at Wolves.

Two years later, Vitinha came third in the Ballon d’Or voting, finishing behind only Lamine Yamal and his PSG colleague Ousmane Dembele.

That high honour was not only a vindication of the club’s faith in the midfielder but also, of course, the player’s lofty credentials as he helped propel PSG to an all-conquering campaign in 2024/25, winning a domestic treble as well as lifting the Champions League for the first time in their history.  

The former Porto star assisted in the final as his side ran riot against Inter Milan.

And this season too, that individual excellence has continued, the player scoring a hat-trick in the Champions League group stages, as the French side prevailed in an eight-goal thriller vs Spurs. In Ligue 1, no player has made more accurate passes, an impressive 109.5 per 90.

Now widely viewed as one of the best central midfielders in the world – with many informed pundits putting him in a class of his own – Vitinha is primed and ready for a pivotal few months ahead, with further club honours to compete for, and the World Cup this summer.

This critical period includes the hosting of Lorient, mentioned at the top, a game that will have special personal significance for the 26-year-old as it represents his 200th appearance for PSG.

Back in 2022, some would have cast doubt on this landmark being reached and it is a testament to Vitinha’s persistence and self-belief, as well as his ability, that it is imminent.

Once achieved, who knows what else lies in store from the brilliant technician who has unquestionably disproved his detractors.