PSG Brutally Told Messi, Mbappe and Neymar’s Defensive Flaws Makes the Team ‘Unbalanced’

PSG Brutally Told Messi, Mbappe and Neymar’s Defensive Flaws Makes the Team ‘Unbalanced’

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:23 PM
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  • Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have been called out by a former PSG midfielder
  • Despite the high-volume goal contribution, the trio was slammed for a low defensive input
  • The trio have been responsible for 66 per cent of PSG's total goals in the French top league

Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League dream is in jeopardy, according to former French midfielder, Jean-Michel Larque.

He argues that the Parisians' superstar trio's lack of defensive output renders the team imbalanced, which could derail their continental ambitions.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Jean-Michel Larque, PSG, UEFA Champions League
Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe have scored a combined 32 goals in just 19 French Ligue 1 games this season. Photo credit: @PSG_English
Source: Twitter

Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi have formed a lethal partnership, with head coach Christophe Galtier describing them as 'the Holy Grail', as noted by GFFN.

Messi has registered eight goals and ten assists this term, while Neymar has produced 11 goals and ten assists this campaign. Meanwhile, Mbappe is currently the top scorer in Ligue 1, having notched 13 goals.

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Regardless of their potency in front of goal however, Larque believes their defensive shortfall will prove costly in Europe.

"We often speak, tactically, of an unbalanced team with three attackers who do not defend," he said as quoted by Sportskeeda.
"There is a defence which is still in great difficulty in my eyes, because the effort of the Parisian leaders is constantly focused on the names in front. And behind, from time to time, we take a player who gives satisfaction."

The former PSG star, who has transitioned into journalism after calling time on his career, added:

"You only win a competition when you have guys or a guy who is able to make the difference, but you only win a big competition when you have a solid defence."

PSG trident named 'Holy Grail'

PSG manager, Christophe Galtier was full of admiration for his fearsome trident, comprising Messi, Neymar and Mbappe.

The attacking trident put on a spectacular performance to seal qualification to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League recently.

It was the third time this season that PSG's front three have all scored in the same match - versus Lille and versus Maccabi Haifa in the reverse fixture.

Ronaldo greets PSG trio

Sports Brief earlier reported that Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi proved football rivalry might be overestimated, with the superstar duo demonstrating their respect for each other.

Ronaldo and Messi crossed paths for what might be the last time, in an exhibition match staged in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh on January 19.

In a viral video that has garnered millions of views, Ronaldo - who captained a select side from Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal against PSG - was filmed hugging Messi.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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