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# Paris Saint-Germain Midfield Ratings: How Lionel Messi's Performance Fades
## Introduction to Paris Saint-Germain's Midfield Dominance
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has long been celebrated for their dynamic and influential midfield, which has been a cornerstone of their recent success. However, as star striker Lionel Messi’s performance has waned in his second season with the club, questions have arisen about the midfield’s ability to adapt and maintain their high standards. This article delves into how the PSG midfield has evolved and the challenges it faces in the absence of Messi’s brilliance.
## The Current Midfield Setup
PSG’s midfield remains a formidable unit, thanks in part to the presence of players like Marco Verratti, who continues to patrol the middle of the pitch with authority. Verratti’s leadership and ability to dictate play have been crucial, especially when Messi’s influence has been less pronounced. The midfield also includes players like Hervé Veyrat, who has brought a defensive edge to the position, and the likes of Gonçalo Vekic, who provide versatility and energy.
## Messi’s Decline and Its Impact on the Midfield
In his first season with PSG, Messi was instrumental in the team’s success, not just with his goals but also with his ability to control games and create opportunities for teammates. However, in his second season, Messi’s performance has been inconsistent, leading to criticism about his fitness and commitment. This has naturally led to questions about how the midfield operates without his presence as the primary playmaker.
The midfield has had to adapt, with Verratti taking on a more central role and players like Veyrat and Vekic stepping up to provide more defensive cover. The team has also relied heavily on their full-backs, such as Achraf Hakimi and Juan Bernat, to contribute in attacking phases, showcasing the depth of the squad.
## The Midfield’s Evolution
Despite Messi’s decline, the midfield remains a strong unit, with players like Verratti, Veyrat, and Vekic providing a solid foundation. The midfield’s adaptability has been key, as they’ve had to adjust their roles to accommodate the changing dynamics of the team. For example, Verratti has taken on more leadership responsibilities, while Veyrat has become more of a defensive anchor.
The midfield’s depth has also been a factor, with players like Krychowiak, Vardar, and Volland providing different profiles to the team. This allows head coach Christophe Galtier to mix and match depending on the opponent and the game’s demands.
## Looking Ahead: The Midfield’s Future
As PSG prepares for life without Messi, the midfield will need to continue its evolution. While the current squad is strong, the club may need to invest in new recruits to replace the outgoing stars and maintain their competitive edge. The midfield’s ability to adapt and thrive without a world-class playmaker like Messi will be crucial to the team’s long-term success.
In conclusion, while Lionel Messi’s performance has faded in his second season with PSG, the midfield’s depth and adaptability have helped the team navigate challenges. Whether the midfield can sustain this level of performance in the coming seasons remains to be seen, but for now, they continue to be a force to be reckoned with.