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After an eventful 2017-18 season, Thomas Tuchel will be hoping his side produces yet another productive season. PSG have won 5 out of the last 6 Ligue 1 seasons and Tuchel will be looking to continue on an upward trajectory.
Neymar’s arrival has surely added the much-required swag, but the Parisians haven’t been able to match the quality of some of the bigger sides in the Champions League.
Thomas Tuchel’s first objective would be to give his players confidence that they have the calibre to match the heavyweights of European Football. The French club has to show discipline and consistency in every department.
The Parisian side started their Champions League season on a disappointing note after losing 3-2 to Liverpool in the first game, which followed a 6-1 drubbing of Serbian side Red Star Belgrade. On the 3rd matchday, PSG produced another disappointing result, managing a 2-2 draw against Napoli at home.
With plenty of experience and class in the dugout, Thomas Tuchel’s side looks a balanced outfit and it’s only about playing with a positive temperament which could help his side remain at the top.
The German has time and again spoken about the need to maintain calm during pressure situations which will help them to face the challenges thrown at them. The dominant French side won the 2017-18 Ligue 1 season with 93 points.
They look set to continue their dominance in the league, sitting pretty at the top with 10 wins from 10 games and are looking in prime form. But Thomas Tuchel has stated that doing well in the Champions League will be of utmost importance and his side needs to bring in a more aggressive type of attitude which will possibly place them in a position to challenge the best clubs in European Football.
He has also claimed that his side consists of some of the most incredibly gifted players which can deliver the desired results when the team needs them the most. We take a look at 5 such players could play a crucial for PSG this season.
# 1 Kylian Mbappe
The French sensation took this year’s World Cup by storm as the 20-year-old looked in sublime form.
He scored four goals in seven games in this year’s World Cup and won the Golden Boot award.
Mbappe scored 13 goals in 28 games in the last Ligue 1 season with seven assists to his name and in this season he has already scored nine goals in six games with three assists to his name.
In the 2018-19 Champions League season, the Frenchman has already scored two goals in two games.
The striker will surely be the guiding force along with Neymar and Edinson Cavani in the forward line.
The 20-year-old will be a threat for any opponent keeping in mind his goal-scoring prowess and his ability to outclass any defense with his electric pace and the kind of acceleration he provides in the forward line.
His creative dribbles can outsmart any opposition and has the knack of placing himself in goal scoring positions. Mbappe surely provides a much-needed sting in Paris St Germain forward line. Mbappe's quick counter-attacks can floor the best defenses.
# 2 Neymar
After a disappointing World Cup campaign this year Neymar would be eager to silence his critics.
The Brazilian will be eager to prove his class with some electric performances and his partnership with Mbappe and Edinson Cavani will be crucial for the Parisians in the forward line. Neymar's performance will surely be watched closely especially against teams which are strong defensively.
The 26-year-old has in the past shown his class and this time too, the striker will be eager to prove his worth.
Every team knows that Neymar is unstoppable when he is at his best as the former Barcelona player can outlast the best defenses with his skillful dribbles and menacing pace.
Neymar is equally dangerous during counter attacks and has this knack of creating chances for the other forwards of the team.
He will surely be Thomas Tuchel’s go-to man when it comes to his ability to score goals with his individual brilliance.
Neymar scored 19 goals in 20 games in the last Ligue 1 season with 13 assists to his name. He also scored six goals in seven Champions League games with three assists to his name.
In the ongoing Ligue 1 season, Neymar has already scored eight goals in eight games with four assists to his name. In the ongoing Champions League season he has already scored three goals in two matches.
# 3 Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani is another player who will be expected to deliver during demanding situations. The Uruguayan is definitely a proven match-winner on his day and will be the center point in the forward line.
Although the striker has faced some fitness issues off late, a player like Cavani can outsmart any opponent with his acceleration and brilliant finishes.
His form and fitness will surely be the key to PSG. His aggressive runs and his ability to outrun the best defenses can be a crucial factor for the Ligue 1 champions.
Cavani has a got loads of experience of playing against some of the best clubs in European Football which could come in handy for the Parisians when they face a tricky opponent.
In the last Ligue 1 season, Cavani looked in terrific form scoring 28 goals in 32 games with seven assists to his name.
His last season’s Champions League record too looked decent in which he scored seven goals in eight games. In the ongoing Ligue 1 season, the striker has already scored five goals in seven games.
#4 Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria will be eager to put his disappointing run in the World Cup behind him with some determined performances.
The midfielder can be too hot to handle because of his frightening runs and precise finishes. Angel Di Maria can be a clever operator during set pieces and has contributed well with some precise passes as well. He can also operate well at the flanks and can position himself in goal scoring positions with his swift moves.
The Argentinian has also showcased his class in the past with his ability to create chances for the forwards.
His coordination with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Cavani will be crucial for PSG. His teamwork with the midfield consisting of Julian Draxler and Marco Verratti will also be an important factor.
He has scored three goals in five matches in the ongoing Ligue 1 season. He scored 11 goals in 30 games in the last Ligue 1 season with six assists to his name. He also scored in the Parisians 2-2 draw against Napoli in yesterday's Champions League match.
#5 Marco Verratti
Considered to be the most exciting talents in European football, Verratti provides much-required pace in the midfield. The 25-year-old has the ability to deliver during critical junctures of a game.
The midfielder has the ability to hold the possession and has looked authoritative in winning the ball from the opposition.
Verratti can also be a handful with his precise long passes and has the knack of creating goals scoring chances.
Verratti also enjoys Thomas Tuchel's confidence as the manager had stated that the Italian can still improve on his technical aspects.
His aggressive runs can outclass the best defenses. Verratti can also be used as an attacking midfielder. His coordination with Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler in the midfield will be crucial.
