# Vitinha's Playing Time at Paris Saint-Germain: A Statistical Overview
Vitinha, the Portuguese midfielder, joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, marking a significant step in his professional career. However, his time at the club has been a mix of promise and challenges, particularly regarding his playing time. This article delves into Vitinha's performance and role at PSG, using statistical data to provide a clearer picture of his contributions.
## Early Promise and Injuries
Vitinha started strongly at PSG, impressing fans and managers with his energy and technical ability. In his debut season, he made 22 appearances, including 11 in the Coupe de France, where he scored a crucial goal against Montpellier in February 2023. His initial impact was significant, and many expected him to become a regular starter.
However, his playing time was disrupted by injuries, particularly a hamstring tear in October 2022, which kept him sidelined for several weeks. This setback hindered his consistency, and as a result, his minutes on the pitch decreased. By the end of the 2022-23 season, he had only played 1,283 minutes, equivalent to about 30 matches, showcasing the impact of his injuries.
## The Role of Competition
PSG boasts a formidable midfield squad, including the likes of Kylian Mbappé,Bundesliga Tracking Marco Verratti, and Idrissa Gueïde, all of whom have limited Vitinha's opportunities. The presence of established stars has made it difficult for Vitinha to secure a regular starting position, despite his obvious talent.
To better understand Vitinha's role, let's compare his statistics to his direct competitors. In the 2022-23 season, Mbappé played 2,159 minutes, Verratti 2,080 minutes, and Gueïde 2,020 minutes. In contrast, Vitinha managed just 1,283 minutes, highlighting the fierce competition for places in the midfield.
## A Substitute's Role
Vitinha has often been used as a substitute, particularly in the second half of matches, to inject energy and creativity into the game. His ability to cover ground and make decisive passes has made him a valuable asset when fit. However, this role has limited his overall playing time and has prevented him from establishing himself as a consistent starter.
## Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Vitinha remains a promising young player with the potential to excel at the highest level. PSG will likely continue to monitor his progress, especially as they look to build a competitive squad for future campaigns. Vitinha's ability to adapt and improve will be key to his future success.
In conclusion, Vitinha's time at Paris Saint-Germain has been marked by moments of excellence but also by the hurdles of injuries and competition. While his playing time has been limited, his experience at PSG has provided valuable insights into his abilities and the areas he needs to work on. As he continues to develop, the world will be watching to see if Vitinha can fulfill his potential and become a cornerstone of a top-tier team.