Guest Post: The New Super PSG

The New Super PSG

Introduction: Last Minute Disappointment

When you spend €108 million on new players for your squad, you expect certain things. One of those things is the league cup sitting in your trophy cabinet at the end of the season. Unfortunately for Paris Saint-Germain owners Qatar Investment Authority, L'Hexagoal (the Ligue 1 trophy) is now safely resting in the trophy cabinet of Montpellier. After signing quality players such as Pastore, Nenê and Gameiro, manager Carlo Anchelotti was incredibly disappointed to see a homegrown Montpellier side snatch the league title from his grasps in the last match of the season. What’s the solution to this problem? Reach into the investors’ pockets and buy some more superstar players of course.

From the Ashes Rises a Phoenix

And this phoenix has Italian blood coursing through its veins, with Italian clubs - namely Napoli, AC Milan and Pescara - being the main sources of PSG’s new talent. Anchelotti (Italian incidentally) has assembled a team of some of the world’s most sought after players, and in doing so created a squad that threatens to take the world of football by storm.

This new squad was not exactly cheap, with PSG owners Qatar Investment Authority shelling out €150 million (approximately $184 million) to finance the new transfers, even after spending €108 million (approximately $132 million) on 11 new signings last season. Obviously QIA will be expecting a return on their investment in the 2012/2013 season, and so will I.

Paris Saint-Germain has seen an upgrade in all areas of play. In attack, PSG now has Ezequiel Lavezzi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In the midfield, PSG has gained Lucas Moura and Marco Verratti. In defense, PSG now has Thiago Silva. But what exactly does each of these players bring to the squad?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: The Experienced Striker

Swedish target man and trickster Zlatan Ibrahimovic is currently the most expensive footballer in history, being transferred between various clubs – including the likes of Barcelona, Juventus, and of course AC Milan - for a sum total of €170 million (that’s around $208 million). His price tag is reflected in his ability to net the ball, scoring 56 goals for Milan last season and the most goals in Serie A (with 32 to his name). PSG did not have any trouble scoring last season; Nenê claimed the title of top scorer in Ligue 1, but with Ibrahimovic on their side PSG are set to become any keeper’s worst nightmare.

Check out Ibrahimovic's first goal for his new club here.

Lucas Moura: The Talented Dribbler

Lucas Rodrigues Moura da Silva (or “Lucas” as he is more commonly known) is making a name for himself in a big way. At 19 years old, this young Brazilian has rejected a bid from Manchester United and instead elected to join Les Parisiens from São Paulo for a hefty €45 million ($55 million). Currently one of the world’s most promising young talents, Lucas is known for his mazing runs and ability to carry the ball virtually through his opposition. He recently aided Brazil in a semi-final win over South Korea at the Olympic Games in London. Lucas’ flair will assist PSG in breaking down the opposition’s defense, and will be vital to PSG’s counter attacking play.

Thiago Silva: The Solid Centre-Back

Another signing from AC Milan, superstar defender Thiago Silva will call the Parc des Princes his home for at least the next year. For a fee of €42 million ($51 million), PSG now has the Brazilian brick wall guarding their 18-yard area. Thiago Silva’s tackling ability and astute awareness will make the job of any opposing attacker an uphill battle.

Ezequiel Lavezzi: The Quick Winger

Napoli’s attack last season was one of the most formidable in the world, with Edison Cavani, Marek Hamšík and Ezequiel Lavezzi tormenting Serie A keepers and helping Napoli win matches against teams such as Villareal, Manchester City and Juventus. PSG scouts saw the contributions the Argentine was making to Napoli, scoring 11 goals and providing 11 assists, and decided to add Lavezzi to their five star ensemble for a cool €26 million ($32 million). With Lavezzi and Nenê on the wings, you can expect to see many defenders beaten, tons of crosses delivered and plenty of goals scored in the upcoming season.

Marco Veratti: The Young Playmaker

Playmakers are critical to any football team and so the addition of Italian midfielder Marco Verratti to PSG was a welcome one. Being called a young Andrea Pirlo, the 19-year-old is known for his great vision and passing ability, and was instrumental in former club Pescara’s promotion to Serie A at the end of last season. With Verratti fulfilling the role of a holding center-mid, PSG’s midfield will be able to link with its forwards more effectively and threaten the opposition more regularly.

Conclusion: Ligue 1 Beware

If you thought Paris Saint-Germain was a major contender for Ligue 1 last season then you are in for a surprise in this upcoming season. I cannot imagine Montpellier (or any other team for that matter) gaining the upper hand against this new PSG. With these fresh additions to an already stellar side, PSG look set to dominate Ligue 1 and perhaps even contend with big names in the EUFA Champions League. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Article by Zaid Frazao. For more from me, check out sportbutcreative.com.