Why PSG are Vying for their First Champions League Title under Luis Enrique

It has been four years since Paris Saint-Germain completed one of the most blockbuster transfer windows in football history. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Georginio Wijnaldum, Nuno Mendes, Sergio Ramos arrived to reinforce Les Parisiens' team following a season that saw them lose the Ligue 1 title to Lille. However, the biggest arrival came in the form of Lionel Messi.

PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino had to figure out how to fit three attacking superstars, Messi, Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, starting lineup. On paper, it looked simple — three of the world’s best players — but in reality, it was a tactical nightmare.

Willian Pacho: PSG’s Newest Defensive Dynamo

Yes, all three were world-class on the ball, but off it? Not so much. This meant Pochettino had to set up in a 4-3-3 with Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé up top. But he had to sacrifice technical quality in midfield for more defensive-minded players like Leandro Paredes and Danilo Pereira, who would work tirelessly to win the ball back.