PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani had a chance to ease transition without Kylian Mbappe, so what’s gone wrong?

Randal Kolo Muani finds himself in a bizarre situation with Paris Saint-Germain and France at present with the 25-year-old attacker without Goncalo Ramos for competition as the focal point of Luis Enrique’s Parisien attack yet precious few minutes and goals to show for it. The Portuguese hitman has been out injured since earlier this season and is expected back later this year but he has not been replaced by Kolo Muani with the Frenchman still largely a substitute as false nine experiments are preferred by the Spanish tactician at Parc des Princes.

Kolo Muani has two Ligue 1 goals and one further UEFA Nations League strike to his name so far across all competitions but the real concern is that he is not being trusted with the minutes that would be expected of an almost $100 million signing. The 67-minute outing that the former Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Nantes man enjoyed with Les Bleus last September international break is only behind one full 90-minute appearance against Stade de Reims and a marginally longer 70 minutes vs. Havre AC with PSG.

Kolo Muani has been used for less than 30 minutes on five separate occasions with two of those proving to be goal-scoring cameos with only his start for the French against the Belgians producing a goal as a member of the starting XI. Although it is still fairly early days, the seven goals and five assists across all competitions last year is already starting to look better given the lack of chances that Luis Enrique is giving his No. 23 through the middle and flanked by fellow French internationals Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele.

Paris have looked more balanced when Kolo Muani has played as a fixed focal point in the attack which was evidenced in last week’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League loss away at Arsenal where Les Parisiens were arguably better in the second half once he was on to provide a direct threat. The goals are not there yet, though, so this international break is crucial for Kolo Muani with France as captain Kylian Mbappe’s absence presents a golden chance to impress Didier Deschamps who does seem to trust him despite his wonky form since returning to his homeland.

All of this is in stark contrast with his breakout campaign with Frankfurt where he scored an astonishing 17 goals with 11 assists across all competitions which seems scarcely believable given his current predicament but explains his inflated price tag. Kolo Muani is even being outscored by his replacement in Germany with former PSG man Hugo Ekitike — who endured a similarly problematic spell in the French capital — already boasting three goals and assists across all competitions.

There is a massive difference in their price tags yet the Bundesliga outfit certainly seem to be getting the better end of the deal — for now. The October internationals could change that for Kolo Muani against Israel and Belgium but he needs to make the most of the time left before Ramos returns.

For now, the Portugal international is working his way back after an operation on his ankle which he hurt just minutes into the new term while delivering an assist in the opening game of this season and realistically it will take until at least late November for him to be ready to fully lead the line. If Kolo Muani cannot apply more pressure between now and then, he will be consigned to the role of substitute, where the club will hope he can somehow resemble Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran at present.

Given how much PSG spent on the Frenchman, there is no way that the club nor Luis Enrique can be satisfied with the return that they have had so far and the Spaniard should see his team look more coherent in attack if he perseveres with Kolo Muani. The next two games with the French team could change that perspective ahead of a key run of home games which presents a good opportunity to get minutes, goals and assists which must be taken when they are presented as the winter transfer window looms on the horizon.