PSG’s Desire Doue – the brilliant teen who is the talk of Europe

Despite these new burdens, PSG insiders have been hugely delighted with Doue’s dedication and professionalism.

“The club have been very impressed with his fitness work, gym work,” said Laurens.

It was the same at Rennes, former coach Bruno Genesio saying: “Away from the pitch he’s a dream: easy, calm, with a streak of leadership while still asking for advice. He’s both care-free and conscientious in his work. He’s already a pro in his head.”

Doue first hit the radar when France won the European Under-17 Championships in Israel in 2022, then he was on the bench for the Olympic final in Paris two years later, coming on after 77 minutes when France lost 5-3 to Spain after extra time.

The Olympics arguably contributed to his slow start at PSG, lacking a proper pre-season, but he has been the beneficiary of careful management by Luis Enrique – who has worked individually with Doue, encouraging him through his quiet start.

He has only made five starts in the Champions League this season, with seven appearances as a substitute, scoring three goals and adding two assists.

It was at Anfield where he made his mark, coming on after 67 minutes to deliver a performance of remarkable maturity, capping it by being entrusted with the spot-kick that sent PSG through.

Doue has been kept out of the limelight by PSG, while the calming, grounded influence of his family is a huge factor.

Laurens explained: “The dad, Maho, is very influential in everything they do. Some families think their son is the next Cristiano Ronaldo, oblivious to everything going on on the pitch, but they were realistic.

“After the Arsenal game, where he did look out of his depth, they said he wasn’t ready for the big step up another level. They understood he had to work a lot, he had to mature. They were very realistic about what he had to do. It was very impressive, very refreshing. They understood.”

Doue has also had to adjust to life in the Paris goldfish bowl, away from quieter Rennes.

He lives in the fashionable Boulogne-Billancourt area and Pierre-Etienne Minonzio, based in Paris with influential sports paper L’Equipe, told BBC Sport: “Recently he was in a very popular shop. He was there just looking for a book when somebody spotted him.

“It was totally normal because he is so young, but maybe he did not understand it is going to be hard for him to be in crowded places in Paris.

“It is good that he thought he was not a star, but he probably hasn’t been back. He’s very into performance, wanting to be the best. If you tell him one of the next steps in his evolution is not to be seen so much in public, he will understand no problem.”