Emery pleased with Ben Arfa in central role

Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery was impressed by Hatem Ben Arfa’s performance as a centre forward in his side’s Coupe de France win.

With Edinson Cavani left on the bench, Ben Arfa started centrally and starred in the 7-0 win over Bastia on Saturday.

Emery praised the 29-year-old for his display, although he expects Cavani to return to the role.

“Many players have the opportunity to play a position that is not theirs,” Emery told a news conference.

“Ben Arfa worked well for the team and for the players who came in. The players are ready mentally and with the quality it takes to play where the team needs them.

“I think he can do a good job in this position and tonight he did. He has not scored, but he made assists. He has opened the defence.”

Thiago Silva, Adrien Rabiot, Christopher Nkunku, Thiago Motta, Lucas Moura, Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler scored in the huge win.