Assessing Luis Enrique’s PSG Depth Across Two Different XIs
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Assessing Luis Enrique’s PSG Depth Across Two Different XIs
It's time to assess the depth that Luis Campos’ transfer dealings have created to look at multiple potential starting lineups.
Paris Saint-Germain reached the September international break level on eight points with Olympique de Marseille in the Ligue 1 table and behind only AS Monaco at the Championnat summit. With back-to-back wins over RC Lens and now Olympique Lyonnais after opening draws with FC Lorient and Toulouse FC, Luis Enrique’s side are showing encouraging signs of late.
“The result is very good, and the team's attitude is perfect, but there is still a long way to go and a lot of things to improve,” said the Spaniard post-game in Lyon. “I am pleased with the team's ambition and personality. We are still creating synergies, getting to know the players and what we are looking for. It is clear, though, that when you bring together top-quality players, great things happen.”
Luis Enrique has the right to be satisfied given the improvement in performance and, notably, the greater cutting edge in front of goal against Lens and Lyon, with seven goals scored for two conceded. However, it is not only the goals scored that will have pleased the former Barcelona and Spain boss—it will also be the style of play and team elements.
For the first time in quite a while, PSG looks like a team once again and does not play like a collection of expensively assembled individuals, which was too often the case in recent years. Granted, the competitive results sample size is small at the moment, and Lens and Lyon are both struggling in the early season, but the signs are positive ahead of what promises to be a tough September.
Another interesting aspect of Les Parisiens’ situation now that the summer transfer window has closed in the newfound sense of depth, quality, and variety that Luis Enrique has available to him. For the first time in years, there is competition for places and different types of profiles to support a change in formation should the Spaniard wish to move away from his favored 4-3-3.
"If you think that Gonçalo Ramos will suddenly be a substitute, then you do not know me yet," said the 53-year-old pre-Lyon about the impact of Randal Kolo Muani’s arrival. "I want 20 players who are ready to start—not 11, 12 or 13. With 20 or 22 starters, we can be ready for all competitions. You will come to understand that starter and substitute status does not really exist with me."
With that in mind, it is time to assess the depth that Luis Campos’ transfer dealings have created to look at multiple potential starting XIs. For the purpose of this exercise, Marco Verratti, Hugo Ekitiké, and Keylor Navas can be removed from consideration, given that they could still leave the club in the coming weeks and clearly do not have prominent roles in Luis Enrique’s plans.
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the first choice between the sticks and pulled off some superb saves against Lyon over the weekend. Although Navas and Arnau Tenas have been substitutes of late, the new arrival should be the Italy international’s long-term competition with Alexandre Letellier as backup to the pair. Donnarumma’s early performances clearly show that work has been done with the ball at his feet despite the Azzurri star still not being at ease.
Central Defenders
Marquinhos remains captain and, therefore, an automatic starter when fit alongside Milan Škriniar and Lucas Hernández, who has been filling in at left-back with Nuno Mendes out injured. How Presnel Kimpembe’s return to fitness later this year impacts the hierarchy will be fascinating. The prospect of four central defensive options of high quality is a scenario that no PSG boss has enjoyed for quite some time now. How often the full quartet are fit simultaneously remains to be seen.
Full Backs
Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes are undisputed starters when fit, while Nordi Mukiele has been working his way back to fitness and can fill in centrally at a push. Juan Bernat’s loan to Benfica means that Layvin Kurzawa has been adopted as a backup option by Luis Enrique, but there is little chance that he will be considered ahead of Hernandez should Mendes remain out. The Frenchman is an extra body similar to Letellier and is unlikely to see meaningful game time unless there is an injury crisis or a deep rotation.
Central Midfielders
Manuel Ugarte is rapidly helping PSG supporters to move on from their over-reliance on Verratti, who is expected to leave for Al Arabi in Qatar soon. Along with Vitinha and Warren Zaïre-Emery, the Uruguay international has established himself as part of an interesting trio of players who have started all Ligue 1 games so far this term. Behind them, Fabián Ruiz, Danilo Pereira, Carlos Soler, and Cher Ndour provide a variety of interesting options, with Ruiz even starting in Toulouse.
Wingers
Given Kolo Muani and Ramos’ summer arrivals and Marco Asensio’s strong early season form through the middle, Kylian Mbappé will continue to operate in his preferred wide left berth. Joining him as wide options are fellow France international Ousmane Dembélé, new arrival Bradley Barcola, and intriguing summer addition Kang-In Lee, who can also be part of the midfield. Suddenly, for the first time since Angel Di Maria’s departure, there is genuine width in attack once more.
Strikers
This means that Kolo Muani, Ramos, and Asensio will spend the most time playing centrally, with the Spaniard also capable of going out wide or occupying a No. 10 role like Soler should Luis Enrique decide to change things up shape-wise. The French and Portuguese stars are two prolific goal scorers with different profiles, and Kolo Muani also brings a work ethic going forward that PSG badly missed during Lionel Messi and Neymar’s time in Paris.
Possible XIs
Lyon XI: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Skriniar, Hernandez; Zaïre-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembélé, Asensio, Mbappé.
Alternative XI: Tenas; Mukiele, Danilo, Kimpembe, Mendes; Ruiz, Soler, Lee; Ramos, Kolo Muani, Barcola.
If we look at the team that started in Lyon, there is already a clear alternative XI made up of players either unavailable at Groupama Stadium or who were substitutes. Some of those names may return to the starting lineup as part of what will eventually be Luis Enrique’s strongest XI, but what that will eventually be is unclear. What is clear, though, is that the Spanish tactician has options and flexibility, which bodes well for PSG's target of Ligue 1 and Coupe de France success, as well as a deep run in the UEFA Champions League. Only time will tell how he sees it for the biggest occasions and how fit most players can remain throughout this campaign.
Strongest XI? Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Hernandez, Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Ugarte, Vitinha; Dembélé, Kolo Muani, Mbappe?