Ancelotti’s midfield options are similarly plentiful, with Pastore able to play there as well as the prodigiously talented Italian Marco Verratti, dubbed the new Andrea Pirlo, who has made quite an impression on the PSG fans in his short time at the club. Alongside him, Thiago Motta offers some steel as well as experience as a Champions League winner with Inter Milan in 2010. Mohammed Sissoko, Mathieu Bodmer, Blaise Matuidi and Clement Chantome are all vying for the final midfield place.
Whilst all are not perfect, each offers Ancelotti a different option with Sissoko and Matuidi prioritising defensive work while the French pair of Bodmer and Chantome look for a more progress passing style. Perhaps however this is where the first fault lines in PSG’s challenge for the European title appears. Their midfield undoubtedly offers a myriad of options and in the likes of Pastore and Verratti, exceptional potential. However, it can be argued that there is no true world class midfield player present at the club at the moment, be it in the form of a defensive holding midfielder or an attacking playmaker.
Defensively, much has been made of the signing of Thiago Silva and it must be said that in the Brazilian, the Parisians have arguably picked up the best defender in the world at present. However, it is defensively where Ancelotti will have most concerns. The exceptional Silva will be partnered by either Alex, Mamadou Sakho or Uruguay captain Diego Lugano. Alex may be a fans favourite due to his ability to score goals but at the age of 30 is slowing somewhat and may be found wanting at the highest European level.
Ex-captain Sakho was once seen as a defender of huge potential but has fallen out of form and favour since Ancelotti’s arrival while Lugano, though full of commitment and endeavour, has failed to find his form since signing last summer. The full backs see similar problems: Gregory van der Wiel and Maxwell may catch the eye going forward but have been exposed defensively at their previous clubs and for the Dutchman in particular, for his country at Euro 2012. Elsewhere, current captain Christian Jallet may have had an impressive few months but is he really good enough to be part of a Champions League winning team?
Fundamentally, the quality of PSG’s players, particularly in the attacking third make them a threat to the trophy if given the right draw. Indeed, the presence of Carlo Ancelotti with his Champions League winning experience will also be of assistance. However, a lack of true world-class quality in midfield and defensive positions perhaps indicates that a little more work is done before the Parisians can truly challenge. Ancelotti and the fans will take heart from Chelsea’s unlikely success last season however, which showed that the best players are not always required to win tournaments.
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