Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been synonymous with star power ever since the Qatari-backed takeover in 2011. The club has attracted some of the biggest names in world football, with Kylian Mbappé being the crown jewel of their collection. However, recent developments have shaken the core of PSG’s identity, as Luis Enrique has found a way to make the team thrive, even in Mbappé’s absence. The buzz around the French capital now is not about a single superstar, but rather about a collective of ’16 stars’ who are playing with newfound freedom, cohesion, and purpose.
The Kylian Mbappé Saga
Kylian Mbappé’s summer saga has been nothing short of a soap opera. The prodigious French forward has been embroiled in a contractual standoff with PSG, with his future hanging in the balance. Speculation of a move to Real Madrid, or even a year in the footballing wilderness as PSG’s highest-paid spectator, dominated headlines. Amid this uncertainty, Luis Enrique, the newly appointed head coach, faced the daunting task of preparing his team for a new season without their talisman.
But rather than despair, Enrique has seemingly embraced the challenge. Mbappé, a player whose talents are undeniable, has often been seen as the center of PSG’s universe. His ability to change a game in a flash has sometimes made the team overly reliant on his individual brilliance. With Mbappé sidelined, Enrique has had the opportunity to reshape PSG in his image, focusing on teamwork and tactical discipline over individual flair.
A Team of 16 Stars
The phrase “16 stars” may seem hyperbolic, but it encapsulates the depth and quality that Luis Enrique now has at his disposal. Without the overbearing presence of Mbappé, the team has evolved into a well-oiled machine, with every player contributing to the cause. The squad depth is remarkable, with each position filled by top-tier talent, and Enrique’s tactical nous has allowed these players to shine.
Midfield Mastery
The midfield has emerged as the heart of this new-look PSG. Vitinha, Marco Verratti, and Manuel Ugarte have formed a formidable trio, blending creativity, tenacity, and intelligence. Verratti’s experience and vision have provided the backbone, while Vitinha’s dynamism and Ugarte’s defensive prowess have given the team balance. Enrique’s system emphasizes fluidity, with midfielders interchanging roles seamlessly, making PSG less predictable and more difficult to defend against.
Attacking Versatility
In the absence of Mbappé, the responsibility for goals has been spread across multiple players. The attacking trio of Neymar, Ousmane Dembélé, and Gonçalo Ramos has been a revelation. Neymar, revitalized under Enrique, has taken on a playmaking role, dropping deeper to link up with the midfield and orchestrate attacks. Dembélé’s pace and directness on the right flank have added a new dimension to PSG’s play, while Ramos has been a consistent threat in the box, showcasing his poacher’s instinct.
This attacking versatility has made PSG less reliant on a single player to deliver the goods. Each of these stars brings something unique to the table, and together, they have created a more unpredictable and multifaceted offensive threat.
Defensive Solidity
Enrique’s approach to defense has also been a key factor in PSG’s early-season success. The defensive unit, anchored by Marquinhos and Milan Škriniar, has been rock solid. The full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Hernandez, have provided both defensive stability and attacking width, contributing to the team’s balance. Donnarumma, in goal, has regained his confidence, commanding his area with authority.
What’s more impressive is the way Enrique has managed to instill a collective defensive mindset. The pressing is coordinated, the transitions are smoother, and there is a noticeable reduction in the defensive lapses that plagued PSG in previous seasons. The team’s defensive solidity has allowed them to control games better, ensuring that the attacking players can express themselves without fear of being exposed at the back.
Luis Enrique’s Tactical Revolution
Luis Enrique’s tactical approach has been pivotal in PSG’s transformation. Known for his high-intensity, possession-based style, Enrique has implemented a system that maximizes the strengths of his squad. The team operates with a high press, looking to win the ball back quickly and launch swift counter-attacks. The emphasis on quick passing and movement off the ball has made PSG a more dynamic and cohesive unit.
Enrique has also shown a willingness to rotate his squad, keeping players fresh and engaged. This rotation has allowed fringe players to step up and make their mark, further reinforcing the idea of a team of “16 stars.” The likes of Fabian Ruiz, Hugo Ekitike, and Carlos Soler have all contributed when called upon, highlighting the depth and quality available to Enrique.
The tactical flexibility that Enrique has brought to PSG has been refreshing. The team can switch between different formations and styles depending on the opposition, making them a more adaptable and difficult side to play against. This flexibility has been a key factor in their strong start to the season and bodes well for their chances in the Champions League, where tactical versatility is often the difference between success and failure.
A Happier Luis Enrique
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of PSG’s resurgence has been the demeanor of Luis Enrique. Known for his intense and sometimes abrasive personality, Enrique has appeared more relaxed and content in Paris. This newfound happiness could be attributed to the freedom he has been given to shape the team as he sees fit. Without the pressure of accommodating Mbappé’s star status, Enrique has been able to implement his ideas without compromise.
The players have responded positively to Enrique’s management, buying into his vision and working together as a unit. The absence of Mbappé, while initially seen as a setback, has allowed Enrique to foster a more harmonious and balanced environment. The focus is now on the collective rather than the individual, and this shift in mentality has been evident in the team’s performances.
The Road Ahead
As PSG continues to navigate the season, the question of Mbappé’s future will undoubtedly resurface. However, the team’s early success under Luis Enrique suggests that they are more than capable of thriving without him. The ‘16 stars’ have shown that they can compete at the highest level, and Enrique’s tactical acumen has been crucial in unlocking their potential.
While it remains to be seen whether PSG can maintain this form throughout the season, there is a sense of optimism around the club. The players are enjoying their football, the coach is happy, and the fans are starting to believe that this could be the beginning of a new era for PSG—one where the team, rather than a single superstar, takes center stage.
In a footballing world obsessed with individual brilliance, PSG’s ‘16 stars’ under Luis Enrique are proving that the collective can be just as powerful. Whether Mbappé returns to the fold or not, the message is clear: PSG is no longer just a one-man show.