Dissecting PSG’s playstyle ahead of their fixture vs Arsenal in UCL

Analysing Luis Enrique’s coaching patterns and some of his most influential players that will face Arsenal!

Luis Enrique is one of Europe’s most experienced managers, managing some of the very best clubs in his career. At PSG, he boasts a group of excellent talents, all demonstrating their growth under the Spaniard using his particular tactical preferences

Enrique’s philosophy has always revolves around positional play and attacking brand of football – likes to stretch opponents and play through the wider areas to create gaps in central spaces > utilising pace + outnumbering the opposition

Luis Enrique’s PSG side is expected to be leading a high pressing routine, making it difficult for Arsenal to build up play. Both sides prefer controlling with the ball at their feet, a question to which side dominates more with the possession at stake

Wide combinations massively yield rewards for Enrique – make the pitch bigger + ping opposition fullbacks from inverting to create central overloads. Dembele/Barcola would be key to demonstrate this using their pace during the game

However, PSG will travel to London with a fair share of major players missing out, namely; Asensio, Doué, Hernández, Mendes, Vitinha, Ramos and lastly Dembele (Enrique’s personal decision to drop) some have travelled regardless of injuries*

Key Players:

Bradley Barcola – France
22 | LW/RW | 6’0

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Barcola’s stocks have risen lately due to his freak 1v1 athleticism + lanky pace + ability to influence the game with his supernatural ballstriking with both feet. Coming to the Emirates in red hot form, Barcola will be the real deal to keep an eye on!

João Neves – Portugal
20 | DM/CM | 5’9

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The highly rated summer signing from Benfica has started the season with a bang – 5 assists in his first 6 games! A mature personality that boasts his elite passing rage with creativity whilst also being solid defensively. A very good ball carrier and dribbler too!

Kang-In Lee – South Korea
23 | CF/RW | 5’8

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One of South Korea’s most potent dribbler might have to hold the wing in Dembele’s absence. Lee’s low COG and agility helps him shift angles with ease whilst dribbling. Smart movements in the box and has a decent left foot at his disposal

Warren Zaïre-Emery – France
18 | CM | 5’10

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A cheat code talent that PSG have on their hands. Although only 18y/o, Emery’s mentality and leadership qualities from midfield are quite evident. Emery’s midfield prowess is commendable due to his elite IQ – ball retention + weight onto passing angles are exceptional too

Key Battles:

Martinelli vs Hakimi: A battle between pace vs athleticism, offensive threat vs defensive positioning which could see both of them go head to head. Martinelli would want to keep Hakimi on the back foot with his energetic dribbling whereas Hakimi would look to nullify the same using his agility and technicality

Zaïre Emery vs Rice : A midfield battle that has control + dominance written. An agile dribbler + powerful ball carrier in Emery faces a strong duel winner + reader of the game in Rice. Rhythmic disruption +the ability to influence the pattern of play will make the difference!

Barcola vs Timber: A relentless dribbler vs a versatile defender. Barcola known for his directness IP faces an a composed defender who can physically bully him. The higher Timber keeps Barcola the better to keep him away, but would need to be vary of his pace on the counter

Dynamic Duo:

Barcola/Ruiz: Ruiz’s ability to pick the right passes from the LCM + make advanced runs from that spot could be highly influential in finding a breakthrough. Barcola could cut back/ dribble his way inwards to find shots and create a subtle advantage from their LHS

Martinelli/Calafiori: Arsenal’s LHS has benefitted highly with Calafiori’s ability to carry the ball from deep + dictate terms. Martinelli gets a natural left footed feeder of the ball helps him channel run into the box rather than fixating in isolation.

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