PSG have become one of the leading powers of European football in recent years. This has seen the Paris-based side dominate domestically – winning 7 of the last 10 Ligue 1 titles – and make strides towards winning the Champions League, European football’s ultimate prize, by reaching the final of the competition in 2020.
The Qatari-backed club have spent lavishly in order to secure their success. This includes smashing the world-record transfer fee with the acquisition of Neymar form Barcelona in the summer of 2017, forking out €222 million for the Brazil star. Since then, they have added the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Ramos and, significantly, six-time Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi. The PSG squad has been littered with world-class players for a number of seasons, yet Champions League glory has so far eluded them. Many felt that the addition of Messi, arguably the greatest footballer the world has ever known, would be the final piece in the jigsaw and propel the side to success in Europe. With an attacking trio of Mbappe, Neymar and Messi – the latter two having won the Champions League together at Barcelona – how could any defence possibly keep PSG at bay?
The Parisians have started off their domestic campaign in typical and predictable fashion, winning their opening eight games. Their Champions League charge, however, began with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Belgian champions Club Brugge. This has raised familiar questions regarding the side’s chemistry; are they a team or a mere collection of superstars?
Many people, myself included, felt that PSG would be an unstoppable juggernaut this season. However, Messi is yet to score for his new club, and there are growing rumours concerning Mbappe and Neymar’s fraying relationship. For PSG to win the Champions League, that Messi, Mbappe and Neymar are firing on all cylinders is paramount. Despite signing Euro 2020 player of the tournament Gianluigi Donnarumma to play between the sticks, PSG’s defence remains a liability. The midfield is functional, but seems to lack the ability to dominate against the top sides. It’s obvious, then, that the front three need to gel quickly for PSG to progress into the latter stages of Europe’s top competition. Their individual quality is clear to see, but can they perform together, and will the extravagant investments finally pay-off? Only time will tell.
Pasta Feet 