Marco Asensio: How on-loan Aston Villa midfielder could haunt PSG in Champions League

Paris St-Germain are enjoying a season to remember – but know one of the biggest dangers to fulfilling their ultimate dream could be a player currently on their books.

Fresh from retaining the Ligue 1 title, the French side host Aston Villa in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday, facing the unusual prospect of coming up against one of their own in Marco Asensio.

The 29-year-old Spain forward joined Villa on loan from PSG in January and has been a revelation, with eight goals and one assist in his 11 games for the Villans.

Asensio’s form has helped Unai Emery’s men enjoy a seven-match winning run, which has booked spots in the FA Cup semi-final and Champions League last eight, and within touching distance of the Premier League top four.

PSG, though, are flying themselves and could yet end the season with four trophies.

Still unbeaten in their league title triumph, and having won the French Supercup, Luis Enrique’s side are also in May’s Coupe de France final and dream of winning the Champions League for a first time.

With confidence high in his own ranks, the PSG boss is pleased Asensio too has found a stage to showcase his talent and welcomed his Paris return.

“I am delighted he can play,” said Enrique, who also coached the former Real Madrid player when he was in charge of Spain.

“He wasn’t getting the game time he wanted here and he had the opportunity to go to Birmingham. It is good that he is playing.

“I have shared a lot with him with the national team. He came to the World Cup with me and was very important, and he was important for us last season and at the start of this season. He is a top-class player.”

But will PSG rue Asensio’s departure, especially when he was part of Real Madrid squads that won the Champions League three times?

“He’s worked really hard, making effort for the team offensively whenever he touches the ball,” said Villa team-mate Youri Tielemans.

“His first cameo at Villa Park [in the FA Cup win over Tottenham] was brilliant, he just glided through. He takes responsibility with the ball. Off the pitch he’s really calm, really good and works really hard.

“When you look at him you don’t think he’s a hard worker because he’s a ball player, but off the ball he does his job really good and that’s what we need from every player.”