Are PSG ready to become the next footballing superpower?

 

Since the Qatar takeover, PSG have had many star squads with players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Angel Di Maria, Thiago Silva, Sergio Ramos, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi all playing at the club. But this era has been defined by off-field controversies and champions league failures. But under Luis Enrique they are evolving into something truly special. Let’s break down what makes this PSG side stand out and whether they deserve the crown of world football’s elite.

THE LUIS CAMPOS FACTOR

PSG had a history of signing big stars in the transfer market to try and win Europe’s biggest prize. But they constantly failed in the knockout stages of the Champions league. This was before Luis Campos came in. Under the Spaniard, PSG have been really smart in the transfer market. Smart signings like Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola and William Pacho have helped to build the team’s base without huge pressure on the players. With the likes of Warren Zaire-Emery and Senny Mayulu also breaking through into the first team, Campos’s work on the academy is also highlighted.

 LUIS ENRIQUE - A COACH REBORN

Luis Enrique has always been a world class manager. He won the treble at Barcelona in 2015 after all. But his failure for the Spain national team and at PSG last season made people doubt if Enrique could really adapt to modern football. He has not only adapted to modern football but might be making a new blueprint. He has combined some aspects of modern football with football of the last decade and has produced a fluid style wonderful to watch. In an era of wingers who are told to pass the ball around and not take risks, Enrique’s front three of Dembele, Kvaratskhelia and Barcola are a delight to watch. They capture the fan’s imagination and produce it on the pitch. After all football needs a bit of imperfection.

PLAYERS PERFORMING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL

PSG have always had the problem of players not performing at their usual level in crucial games. So much that Lille won the Ligue 1 title in 2021. But this new squad is performing every game without letting the pressure get to their heads. Ousmane Dembele is having the most prolific season of his career with 36 G/A in 37 games. The midfield of Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz and Joao Neves is schooling opponents with Zaire-Emery also stepping in. The fluid front three of Barcola, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia is terrorizing opponents and Desire Doue is a fan favourite all around the world. William Pacho and Marquinhos stand like in a brick wall in front of attacks. These PSG players are determined to win it all. 

ARE PSG THE NEXT FOOTBALLING SUPERPOWER?

Over the years, PSG have built a reputation of being a wealthy and ambitious club desperate for the Champions league. Many attempts have failed but this project shows promise. With a squad that boasts world class talent and a manager who can make the best use of that talent, they are positioning themselves as a superpower. Unlike past iterations of the team that relied heavily on individual brilliance, this version of PSG looks more cohesive, disciplined, and adaptable. So if PSG can translate their domestic success into European glory, PSG will be ready to join the ranks of football’s greatest dynasties.

By Parth Gokhale