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#4 Not buying a seasoned centreback
They say: ‘Strikers win games, defenders win championships.’ PSG dispensed with the wisdom of this famous quote by persisting with the pairing of Silva and Marquinhos.
At his peak, Thiago Silva was the best defender in the world. However, a string of injuries, questionable performances, and his age (34) mean he isn’t held in the same regard as the world’s top centre-halves.
On the other hand, Marquinhos (born Marcos Aoás Corrêa) is a young, promising defender, but he’s not a worldbeater … yet. And his partnership with Thiago Silva, although good when facing inferior teams, hasn’t been the most convincing against formidable opposition. Despite being shaky at times, both Marquinhos are still good defenders. But what happens when (it isn’t a case of 'if') either one of them is injured, out of form, or needs rest?
Presnel Kimpembe is the only option
The only other recognised central defender on PSG’s books is academy graduate Presnel Kimpembe. Just a year younger than Marquinhos, Kimpembe isn’t one of the most dominant centrebacks in Europe. Therefore, at best, PSG have in their squad an ageing Thiago Silva, a promising Marquinhos, and a backup in an inexperienced Kimpembe.
As a result, PSG should have spent some money on a commanding defender to bolster their backline. Some of the best candidates who would have been suitable for that role are Virgil Van Dijk (arguable the best defender in the Premier League last season), Jerome Boateng (not easy to pry form Bayern’s hands), Sergio Ramos (who should be seeking a new challenge after winning it all with Real Madrid), Konstas Manolas, Leonardo Bonucci (who was desperate to leave Milan), Diego Godin (realistically won’t win neither the league nor the Champions League WITH Athletico), or Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen (whose ambitions are bigger than Tottenham’s; no disrespect to Spurs).
All of these players have strong aerial prowess, something which the PSG defence lacks (Bayern exploited that aerial weakness by scoring two of their three goals from crosses).
In short, PSG may later rue their aversion to signing a world-class centre-back, especially in their potential clashes with European heavyweights, something the likes of Real Madrid should relish.
