Could PSG still have won the Champions League if Mbappe was still on the team? | ESPN FC

Summary

The discussion revolves around the impact of superstar players like Kylian Mbappé on a team's overall performance. While Mbappé's individual talent is unquestioned, the conversation emphasizes that modern football requires more than just star power. The panel argues that teams, like PSG, thrive through collective effort, work rate, and team dynamics, rather than relying solely on a superstar. They compare the PSG team's performance under coach Luis Enrique to other clubs, noting how commitment from all players, regardless of their stardom, leads to success. The importance of unity, sacrifice, and a balanced squad is highlighted as key to their achievements.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mbappe's absence in PSG's team led to a more balanced and hardworking team performance, despite his individual talent.
• 😀 A team's success relies on collective effort and work rate, not just a single superstar player like Mbappe.
• 😀 The PSG players showed exceptional energy, athleticism, and teamwork in their performance, making intelligent decisions on the pitch.
• 😀 Several Inter Milan players were not fully fit during the match, which contributed to their inability to keep up with PSG's athleticism.
• 😀 Having a superstar like Mbappe could disrupt team dynamics, as it would encourage others to rely too much on his individual brilliance.
• 😀 The era of the 'superstar' footballer may be diminishing, as team cohesion and work ethic become more important than individual flair.
• 😀 Even without a superstar like Mbappe, PSG managed to play as a team and achieve success, winning the Champions League.
• 😀 Superstar players often get preferential treatment, but modern football emphasizes the importance of hard work and defensive contributions from all players.
• 😀 The mentality and work ethic of players like Kavarasia and Dembele in PSG, who tracked back and made defensive contributions, was crucial to the team's success.
• 😀 The coaching of Luis Enrique has transformed PSG into a cohesive, hard-working unit that is difficult to beat, despite the absence of a standout superstar.

Q & A

How would Kilian Mbappe's presence in PSG's lineup have impacted their performance?

Mbappe's inclusion would likely have affected the team's overall work rate negatively, as he might not have tracked back or contributed defensively as much as other players, which could have influenced the collective effort on the field.

Why is Mbappe's potential lack of work rate seen as a problem for the team?

If one player doesn't work hard and doesn't contribute defensively, it limits the team's ability to press and defend as a unit, causing other players to struggle to compensate for that gap.

How does the performance of PSG's players in this match reflect the team's mentality?

PSG's players demonstrated a strong collective mentality, showing commitment to pressing, defending, and supporting each other. Players like Avarcelia and Dembele ran long distances to recover the ball even when the match was already secured, showcasing their dedication.

What impact did the absence of superstars like Mbappe and Messi have on PSG's overall performance?

Without relying on superstars, PSG played as a cohesive team, with all players contributing to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. This balanced approach allowed them to outperform teams like Inter Milan and others in the Champions League.

How did PSG's team performance compare to Inter Milan's?

While PSG demonstrated exceptional work rate and tactical discipline, Inter Milan struggled to keep up, particularly in terms of athleticism and defensive coordination. This highlighted the gulf in performance between the two teams.

Why is it argued that having a superstar player like Mbappe can hinder a team's development?

Superstars can create an imbalance, as their individual performances might overshadow the team's collective efforts. If these players don't contribute in defensive actions or in less glamorous roles, it can negatively affect the overall team dynamics and morale.

What is the criticism of the way players like Mbappe and Neymar are perceived in modern football?

The criticism lies in the unrealistic expectations placed on superstar players, with a tendency to overlook their lack of defensive contributions. It creates a divide in team responsibilities, with other players compensating for their shortcomings, leading to internal tensions.

How did the players' work ethic in PSG contrast with that of Real Madrid's Vinícius Jr. and Mbappe?

Both PSG and Real Madrid experienced issues with star players not contributing defensively. However, PSG's success stemmed from the collective commitment of all players to track back and help in defense, unlike the situation with Vinícius Jr. and Mbappe, where defensive lapses were more apparent.

What lesson does the current trend of team play versus superstars offer for the future of football?

The lesson is that teams need to focus on collective effort and sacrifice, rather than building around one or two superstar players. The key to success lies in a balanced, hardworking team where all members contribute both offensively and defensively.

What role did Luis Enrique play in PSG's transformation this season?

Luis Enrique's tactical approach was crucial in PSG's transformation. He instilled discipline, a high work rate, and a team-first mentality, which allowed the players to thrive as a unit and perform at a high level, especially after the early struggles of the season.