"We live in a passing world, but PSG's strength is having so many players who can dribble," Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, said at a World Cup study group meeting on 11/7. "They can take players on and then pass. Players like Dembele, Barcola, and Doue often dribble forward before passing. They are not afraid. It’s interesting to see that in a team which dominates."
Excluding goalkeeper Donnarumma and the two central defenders, all of PSG's other starters are adept at dribbling. The newly crowned Champions League winners don't even need a true striker to threaten the opposition's goal. Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia share the goalscoring burden, alongside their dribbling prowess.
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Dembele (left) scores in PSG's 4-0 victory over Real on 9/7. Photo: Reuters |
Dembele (left) scores in PSG's 4-0 victory over Real on 9/7. Photo: Reuters
According to Wenger, another key strength of PSG is their pressing game. Opponents constantly face intense pressure in their own defensive third, leading to mistakes and early goals.
"Press high and score early. That formula never fails," Wenger added. "The first two goals in PSG's win against Real came from this approach. The third and fourth goals came after perfect combinations. Chelsea need to be prepared for this pressure."
Another member of the World Cup study group, former German striker and coach Jurgen Klinsmann, was also impressed with PSG's pressing. He noted that when a team presses effectively and wins the ball, the forwards are close to the goal, increasing their scoring chances.
However, Klinsmann also pointed out a potential weakness, suggesting that PSG's tactics require all 11 players to be at their peak. "If just one of them isn't in top condition, this style of play won't work," the former Germany coach said.
PSG will face Chelsea in the Club World Cup final on 13/7. A victory would secure their fifth title of the 2024-2025 season, following triumphs in the Champions League, Ligue 1, French Super Cup, and French Cup.
Beyond their titles, PSG has been sweeping aside almost all opposition. In the recent Champions League campaign, Luis Enrique's team defeated Man City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Inter, including a 5-0 victory over Inter in the final. They have also been dominant in the Club World Cup, with 4-0 wins against Atletico and Real, and a 2-0 victory over Bayern.
Thanh Quy (according to Marca)
