In the French media, the striker position of Paris Saint-Germain for the match against PSV is the biggest question mark. Due to the injuries of Randal Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos, Luis Enrique must once again be creative in the attack's focal point.
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Last weekend, Paris Saint-Germain faced a crucial decision in their Ligue 1 fixture, as both of their primary strikers, Randal Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos, were sidelined due to injuries.
This forced coach Luis Enrique to improvise with his lineup, selecting Marco Asensio, the Spanish forward more commonly known for his wide play and attacking midfield roles, to fill in as the striker. Although Asensio’s performance was commendable, it highlighted PSG's struggle to compensate for the loss of their traditional strikers.
As PSG now turns its focus to the Champions League, the question of who will lead their attack in the upcoming clash against PSV Eindhoven has become the subject of intense speculation. Luis Enrique's tactical decisions will be under scrutiny, as PSG faces a pivotal fixture in their European campaign. In the previous Champions League match against Arsenal, Enrique opted for Kang-In Lee, deploying the South Korean in a central attacking role. While Lee performed admirably in that position, his natural role is further back, and there is uncertainty about whether he is the right choice to lead the line against PSV.
The French media has been abuzz with discussions about PSG's forward options for this match. Notably, RMC Sport has been unable to predict a clear frontrunner, suggesting that both Asensio and Kang-In Lee could be in contention. In their probable lineup, they have listed both players as potential candidates, reflecting the uncertainty that surrounds PSG’s attacking plans. This indecision indicates that Luis Enrique has not yet settled on a concrete solution, and much may depend on the tactical approach he plans to take against PSV.
However, L'Équipe offers a more confident perspective, suggesting that Luis Enrique is leaning toward selecting Kang-In Lee as the central striker. They point to Lee's versatility and recent form as reasons why he could be trusted with the role in such a high-stakes match. Lee, known for his technical ability and footballing intelligence, has shown that he can adapt to various positions on the pitch. His ability to drop deep and link play could be a valuable asset for PSG, particularly in a match where maintaining control of possession and breaking down a disciplined PSV defense will be key.
If Kang-In Lee is chosen to start, it would reflect a more fluid and creative approach to PSG's attack. Lee is not a traditional center-forward, and his style of play involves dropping into deeper positions to facilitate link-up play with the midfielders. This could allow PSG to dominate possession and draw PSV out of their defensive shape, opening up space for wide players like Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola to exploit. Lee’s role would be more akin to a false nine, creating opportunities through movement and intelligence rather than brute force or traditional striker play.
On the other hand, should Asensio be favored, PSG's attack would likely be more direct. Asensio, while not a natural number nine, is more comfortable playing close to goal and has the ability to finish off chances. His experience in high-pressure European matches, particularly from his time at Real Madrid, could also make him a safer choice for Luis Enrique, who will be keen to ensure that PSG maximizes their scoring opportunities in a match where every goal could be crucial. Asensio’s playmaking abilities could also come into play, allowing him to provide key passes to Dembélé and Barcola on the flanks.
While the forward dilemma is still unresolved, other areas of PSG's lineup appear to be more settled. Both RMC Sport and L'Équipe agree on the defensive and midfield setup that Luis Enrique will likely employ. Gianluigi Donnarumma will start in goal, offering a reliable presence between the posts. In defense, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes are expected to form the backline, providing a balance of experience, pace, and defensive solidity. The return of Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Mendes to the starting XI is significant, as all three players were rested during PSG's recent 4-2 victory over Strasbourg in Ligue 1, suggesting that they are being kept fresh for the Champions League clash.
In midfield, João Neves has once again been preferred over Fabián Ruiz, an indication that Luis Enrique values Neves’ ability to control the tempo of the game. Neves will be joined by Warren Zaïre-Emery and Vitinha, forming a trio that blends youth, energy, and creativity. Zaïre-Emery, despite his young age, has emerged as a key player for PSG, offering box-to-box dynamism and a strong presence in both attack and defense. Vitinha, with his ability to create chances from deeper positions, will be crucial in unlocking PSV’s defense and providing service to the forwards.
On the wings, Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola are expected to start, providing PSG with pace and width. Dembélé, in particular, will be a critical player for PSG, as his ability to take on defenders and his unpredictability in one-on-one situations make him a constant threat. If Dembélé can isolate his marker and exploit space on the right wing, he could create numerous scoring opportunities for PSG. Barcola, who has shown promise since joining the team, will play a supporting role on the opposite wing, helping to stretch the PSV defense and create space for his teammates.
The match against PSV, scheduled for Tuesday night at 9:00 PM, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in PSG's Champions League campaign. With both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages, the pressure is on PSG to secure a result. For Luis Enrique, the challenge will be finding the right balance between maintaining defensive solidity and creating enough scoring opportunities without his two main strikers. The decision on who will lead the line whether it’s Kang-In Lee or Marco Asensio could prove to be the decisive factor in determining the outcome of this crucial fixture.
The clash will also provide a test of PSG's depth and tactical flexibility. With key players missing, Luis Enrique has had to adapt and experiment with different combinations, and Tuesday’s match will be a chance to see whether those adjustments can withstand the pressure of elite European competition. If PSG can find the right balance and overcome their forward dilemma, they will take a significant step toward securing their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.
