After coming first in the inaugural Champions League league phase table, and winning seven of their eight matches, Liverpool may be somewhat disappointed to find themselves playing one of Europe’s most in-form teams in the round of 16. The knockout draw has pitted Arne Slot’s team against Ligue 1 champions PSG, and whilst the Parisians initially struggled in Europe this season, they are now purring under Luis Enrique. They are the only top-five league team still currently unbeaten in their own league division.
As things stand, they have the longest league unbeaten run in Europe’s top divisions. Only Barcelona and Bayern Munich have scored more goals than PSG. Only six teams have conceded less. Of course, Ligue 1 doesn’t hold the pedigree of the Premier League or LaLiga, and is renowned for being an easier division. But right now PSG look ready to compete with Europe’s elite, and look sure to provide a stern test for Liverpool in the Champions League at the Parc Des Princes this Wednesday.
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PSG’s strategy has taken a very different approach in the last couple of seasons. Once the modern ‘Galacticos’, signing superstar players such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, Paris-Saint-Germain are now focusing on more of a solid team mentality, and concentrating more on bringing through younger players – rather than ready-made global stars on huge wages. Ronan Caroff is Transfermarkt’s Area Manager in France and has been very impressed with what he has seen from PSG this season: “Apart from their scare in the UCL league phase [four consecutive games without winning], PSG are cruising through this season. They seem to have found their balance post-Mbappé/Neymar/Messi.” Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté look sure to have their work cut-out trying to stop the silky Frenchman.
“They are also more efficient in attack than last season (2.76 goals per game vs 2.34).” continued Caroff. With their star-studded attack now dissolved, Ousmane Dembélé, and young winger Bradley Barcola have really stepped up. Dembélé is beginning to finally convert his potential to consistency and has been utilised up-front for Enrique’s team this season. “Dembélé has scored 25 goals in 32 games this season, most of them since a clear switch started in December where he has played more games as striker instead of a winger.” Caroff explained. “In 2025, he’s the best goalscorer in all the European leagues [+ national cups and international comps].”
Barcola has also done a stellar job in filling in the shoes of Mbappé since the striker left for Real Madrid last summer. The 22 year old has 17 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season. But Caroff thinks there’s more to PSG than just their front-line: “Honestly, right now, PSG have no clear weaknesses. Some months ago, the blame for bad performances could go on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, challenged more by No.2 Matvey Safonov, but now the team is cruising through most of their games, and it’s still Donnarumma in goal, so he even seems to be in better form now.” The young midfield duo of João Neves and Vitinha have also been superb, whilst the €70m January signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli adds depth to their attack.
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Enrique’s team also come into Wednesday’s huge tie at the Parc Des Princes with a clean bill of health. “They should face Liverpool with no injuries. Warren Zaïre-Emery is just back from injury, but the midfield managed to live without him anyway,” revealed Caroff. Liverpool have also been pretty fortunate when it comes to injuries this season. The Reds are set to only be without defenders Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley for the trip to the French capital this week. Liverpool have been remarkable in the Premier League this season, in a campaign where all of the other top teams have struggled. The severity of their excellence will ultimately now be tested in the Champions League, and it will be no mean feat getting past the unbeatable PSG.