Kalou powers the PSG revival

By Christian Châtelet

A UEFA Cup winner with Feyenoord, new signing Bonaventure Kalou has symbolised Paris Saint-Germain FC's superb start to the French season.

Baffling talent
Kalou has scored one goal and set up three more as PSG have maintained the only 100 per cent record in Ligue 1 after three games. The sheer unpredictability of the man from the Ivory Coast has left the opposition baffled so far.

Roux assessment
"In terms of unpredictability and creativity, I would compare him with Ronaldinho or Pelé," said Guy Roux, Kalou's coach at former club AJ Auxerre. It was that undefinable quality that prompted Feyenoord to sign the forward from ASEC Abidjan in 1997/98.

Feyenoord spell
Having helped Feyenoord lift the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2002, Kalou moved on to Auxerre the following summer as a replacement for the FC Internazionale Milano-bound Khalilou Fadiga. He had scored 35 goals in six seasons in Rotterdam.

Auxerre favourite
He quickly became a favourite at the Abbé Deschamps stadium. As well as registering 19 times in two league campaigns, he scored six goals in the 2004/05 UEFA Cup including twice against Rangers FC at Ibrox to help Auxerre qualify from the group stage.

Final flourish
That Roux's eye for a bargain had not failed him was underlined by the coach's last-ever match in charge. Kalou's 90th-minute strike against CS Sedan-Ardennes on 4 June won the French Cup for the veteran trainer with a 2-1 final triumph.

Summer signing
PSG were hoping Kalou had a few more trophies in him when they recruited the quiet but cheerful striker for €8.5m in June. Four minutes into the season, he began to repay their faith with the first goal of 2005/06 against FC Metz.

New optimism
New PSG president Pierre Blayau and the club's main shareholder, television channel Canal+, have made sweeping changes in recent months as they aim to make the side competitive again after a miserable ninth-placed finish last term - and Kalou has embodied that optimism.

Two-point lead
After the 4-1 opening-day win against Metz, a 1-0 success at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard and 2-0 home victory against Toulouse FC restored PSG to the Ligue 1 summit for the first time since 2000, with a two-point lead over champions Olympique Lyonnais.

Efficient play
"What is most pleasing is our efficiency," said Kalou. "We were not terrific in our last two games but we took the three points. This augurs well for us to keep improving as a team."

Dhorasoo depth
Without the distraction of European football, it seems PSG will be well equipped for a successful campaign. Aside from Kalou, their other big signing - French international midfielder Vikash Dhorasoo from AC Milan - has added further depth to the squad.

Rothen luck
In addition, Portuguese striker Pauleta appears to be returning to his best form, having scored twice already, while Jérôme Rothen, who spent much of last term struggling with injury, looks determined to make up for lost time.

Long season
There are eight months to go until the final Ligue 1 whistle of 2005/06, but already PSG fans are thinking of a first title since 1993/94. Kalou's arrival may yet be the herald of a golden dawn for the club.