Sergio Ramos Set to Join PSG. How Does He Affect the Squad?
Paris Saint-Germain is having quite the summer transfer window. The French giants who lost Ligue 1 on the final day are reloading for another season with top talent. Among the new faces in navy and red will be the ever-divisive center-back Sergio Ramos. Ramos joins PSG on the heels of his departure from Real Madrid, where he spent 16 years with the club.
The Spanish center-back bolsters a back line that already boasts talent in Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos. The addition of wing-back Achraf Hakimi and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma illustrate the club’s desire to sure up their defense.
Ramos’ addition, however, poses an interesting tactical dilemma for manager Mauricio Pochettino. The former Tottenham gaffer typically employs a four man backline, but the 35-year-old’s presence at the club could see the backline shift into a back three or back five at points.
In that scenario, Kimpembe would likely move over to left center-back with Ramos filling in centrally as to cover up both his age and speed, with the Brazilian Marquinhos sliding in at right center-back. The formation of a 3-4-3 would also suit Hakimi well too, as he thrives as a right wing back. Placing three at the back could certainly muzzle any potential locker room complaints among the trio of world class center-backs, but also protects Ramos from being exposed in areas similar to when he was in a back two with Raphaël Varane at Real Madrid.
Now, as we move up the field, the holes in the starting XI seem to fill themselves. Newly signed Georginio Wijnaldum would pair well with Marco Verratti in a midfield pivot. The age and wisdom of the duo would both calm the side and provide stability in an area where there were a few question marks for the club. At the other wing back position, Mitchel Bakker or Abdou Diallo could slot in on the left.
In front we have Kylian Mbappé, Neymar and either Mauro Icardi or Ángel Di María. A front three with this much speed and technical ability will be one of the best attacking trios in all of Europe. The four aforementioned PSG forwards combined for 78 goals and 37 assists this past season in all competitions for the club.
Adding a stalwart backline and sure-footed midfield to those attacking threats spells trouble for any opponent that Paris Saint-Germain will face next season. For now, though, we will have to wait and see what kind of effect Ramos and company will have for PSG.
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