Pochettino’s two key changes that have PSG clicking

Mauricio Pochettino’s style has always been about putting the collective before the individual, and he’s also relied heavily on his team’s academies and young players. At PSG the challenge was expected to be very different, but the early signs are encouraging.

Inheriting a side bustling with world class talent, but in need of a refresh, it’s been in midfield where the biggest difference has been noticed, even in last night’s 4-1 win despite Kylian Mbappe’s incredible performance.

A diminutive metronome type midfielder since signing from Pescara in 2012, Pochettino has transformed Marco Verratti into an attacking outlet, harnessing the Italian’s creativity by making him PSG’s most advanced midfielder since his arrival, starting some games as a number 10, and last night as an eight with the freedom to play make.

Verratti has assisted in Pochettino’s first and most recent games, quickly settling into his role further up the pitch, much of which has been facilitated by Pochettino’s use of fellow countryman Leandro Paredes, who looks like a completely new player, and has become the first name on the teamsheet with his expert ball-winning and distribution.

LOOK at that ball over the top from Leandro Paredes 😍

Kylian Mbappe's second of the night caught Barcelona cold!

PSG have scored three at Camp Nou without Di Maria and Neymar... pic.twitter.com/CnhMQGrtDg

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 16, 2021

Adding Idrissa Gueye into their midfield trio PSG uniquely boast a midfield three who are defence first, but have an underrated attacking ability which is now being exploited. And with Moise Keane and Mauro Icardi showing more all-road ability under their new coach, it’s hard to see things not getting even better from here on out.