Lionel Messi’s switch to PSG set to provide upward push to tactical complications for trainer

If Lionel Messi does change into the most recent superstar to lend a hand Paris Saint-Germain’s quest to win the elusive Champions League, trainer Mauricio Pochettino will have to figure out one of the best ways to deal with him in a top-heavy assault.

Messi bid a tearful farewell to Barcelona on Sunday. On the similar time, PSG used to be in talks together with his workforce seeking to finalise a deal to signal him amid reviews Messi had flown to Paris on Sunday for a gathering.

Communicate of Messi’s coming near near arrival led a number of hundred PSG lovers to attend outdoor Le Bourget airport, to the north of Paris, which is regularly utilized by PSG and the nationwide workforce.

Messi would change into the largest superstar to reach at Parc des Princes since cash-rich Qatari house owners QSI took over the membership 10 years in the past.

Messi’s arrival would surpass even the fanfare of Neymar’s world-record signing for 222 million euros ($261 million) from Barcelona in 2017, or Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s openly self-promoting presentation by way of the Eiffel Tower in 2012.

They by no means gained a Ballon d’Or, let on my own the list six Messi has.

Unforgoatable. pic.twitter.com/iURB65lb0u

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 9, 2021

The soccer nice’s staggering tally of 672 targets for Barca comprises an atypical 50-goal season in 2012; 96 league targets and a exceptional 133 total throughout 2012 and 2013; 8 Spanish league and 6 Champions League scoring titles.

To not point out 4 Champions League trophies with Barcelona, a list 91 targets in a calendar 12 months for membership and nation, and a Copa The united states identify with Argentina.

Even Messi’s age — he’s 34 — could have little affect at the massive anticipation that his arrival would generate inside of French soccer and past.

However the place is Pochettino, a fellow Argentine, going to play him in assault which incorporates Neymar, France’s International Cup superstar Kylian Mbappe, Copa The united states match-winner Angel Di Maria and sharpshooter Mauro Icardi?

Leo Messi: “The percent with Paris Saint-Germain used to be a twist of fate, utterly. I used to be there with my pals, we made up our minds to take a photograph… they instructed me: ‘Come to Paris!’ but it surely used to be only a comic story, we have been on vacation”. ??? #PSG #Messi pic.twitter.com/aKuh0LXQEd

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 8, 2021

Mbappe value 180 million euros ($212 million) and netted a career-high 42 targets final season. The membership paid 50 million euros ($59 million) for Icardi. He confirmed his completing abilities on Saturday night time in PSG’s league-opener — a 2-1 win at Troyes — and has 34 targets in 64 video games for PSG.

Icardi appears sure to fall at the back of within the pecking order and may just also be bought or loaned to take some weight off the membership’s massive salary invoice.

Pochettino must make a decision whether or not to make use of Di Maria in a four-man assault on the possibility of unbalancing the midfield. PSG confirmed final season — and in how it conceded a comfortable target from a nook in opposition to Troyes — that it wishes coverage on the again.

EXPLAINED | Why Lionel Messi is leaving Barcelona

Right here’s a have a look at conceivable PSG tactical formations with Messi within the aspect:

4-3-3 — Messi at the proper of assault, Neymar at the left and Mbappe enjoying in the course of the heart in his most well-liked middle ahead’s function. Messi has performed on this function repeatedly at Barca. However whilst the 4-3-Three additionally gives higher safety in midfield, there’s no position for Di Maria.

4-2-3-1 — This time Di Maria takes his position at the proper flank with Messi enjoying at the back of Mbappe in a playmaker’s function and Neymar once more attacking from the left aspect. Nice at the eye however a two-man midfield — most probably Marco Verratti and new signing Georginio Wijnaldum — would make PSG liable to counterattacks.

3-5-2 —In all probability the most suitable choice with Messi pushing up entrance along Mbappe, and Neymar the usage of his slick probing and passing enjoying at the back of them. Verratti and Wijnaldum would get welcome improve within the heart. However this formation would as soon as once more be on the expense of Di Maria, who used to be arguably PSG’s absolute best participant final season along side Mbappe and goalkeeper Keylor Navas.