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PSG - Just how good are they?
Topic Started: 14 Jan 2016, 12:54 AM (905 Views)
Wolfy
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Runaway French Ligue 1 leaders PSG have quietly gone about their business in topping Ligue 1 this season, again. But on a world scale, just how good are they?

Since their takeover, large amounts of money has been invested in this squad, with stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Javier Pastore, Angel Di Maria, Edison Cavani, etc. joining the club on big deals and big wages. Before all of this, PSG were a dominant force in France during the 90s and were also strong in the early 80s.

But they've taken it to a new level with the new investment, securing every domestic trophy available in 2015. They've also won 3 straight league titles and after this season it will be 4. But one big stain on the club's legacy is the lack of a major European trophy to really put them on the map. They have only one cup winners cup to their name, all the way back in 1996. With Cavani and Ibra scoring a massive 31 goals between them this season and with players like Sirigu on the bench (replaced by Kevin Trapp this season) and at least one world class player or as close as you can come to that level in more positions then not, are they finally ready to challenge and truly become one of the top forces in world football?

They sit 20 points clear of surprise package Angers, who were one of just three teams to take a share of the spoils off them domestically. Their league record reads: W17 - D3 - L0 scoring 50 and conceding 9.

In the Champions League, they recorded a 0-0 draw and a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid, blowing away both Malmo and Shakhtar, they recorded an impressive 3-0 away win against the latter. They play Chelsea in the knockout stages for the 3rd consecutive year, beating them on away goals last year. Barcelona ended their run last year with a 5-1 aggegrate win, which included PSG's only home defeat in the last 3 Champions league seasons. Can they finally take it up a level and compete with the very top sides in Europe this season and get rid of the tag I have dubbed them with, an 'almost great' side?

As you can tell they are one of many teams I have followed closely and will continue to do so, thoughts?
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Number 13
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The problem with Ligue One is that it isn't comparable to other top leagues in Europe, the standard of play is lower. It is much more similar to the Championship or the Scottish Premiership. Therefore, any team who invests heavily like they have will be head and shoulders above the rest, barring a Leicester City-style underdog pushing through the ranks.

I absolutely love their team, ignoring the fact that it has been bought quite clearly. My favourite player is Blaise Matuidi, wonderfully talented creator in the centre of the park.

I'm more interested in watching them against European opposition rather than their domestic as their team is much better than the average Ligue One side.
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daib0
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I reckon they will break through big on the world scene but might not be this season ...
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Wolfy
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But will they? Most of their top players are in their prime, although if they lose Ibra then Cavani can easily make up for his absence.

With spending restrictions put in place, have they missed their chance against the top sides in the last couple of seasons? Although with Real and Atletico getting transfer bans, it might be their last chance with the current group of players in their prime.
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Number 13
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With these transfer bans Real Madrid may be looking to do some activity in this window, particularly concerning John Stones, and perhaps even Harry Kane/Jamie Vardy.
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Darlington
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Number 13
15 Jan 2016, 12:57 AM
With these transfer bans Real Madrid may be looking to do some activity in this window, particularly concerning John Stones, and perhaps even Harry Kane/Jamie Vardy.
I'd heard Stones had come out and said he did not want to move this window and was looking at moving in the summer.
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Number 13
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If I had a penny for every time a player said....you get the picture!

Everton's approach to signing Sam Byram from Leeds United suggests they may be expecting Stones to leave sooner rather than later. Money can do strange things to a footballer, and Real Madrid are not short of it.
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

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Wolfy
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2nd place Angers lose to Nice tonight 2-1. Always fancied Nice, the strength or lack of in Ligue 1 is gonna leave PSG without too much of a competitive edge and maybe too much confidence.

They might overcome Chelsea, but it's all about the draw, their still not on Real or Barca's level yet, they could do with avoiding Bayern too.
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Wolfy
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Another game, another win. Roll on the Champions League.
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Wolfy
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Going from strength to strength in Ligue 1, a big 5-1 win over 5th place Angers with the likes of Lavezzi and Cavani on the bench. Di Maria showing is quality since joining and netted a brace here.

60 points from 22 games, 46 goal difference. Champions League tests needed. But they look a top side more then ever this season, Chelsea look decent though under Hiddink, will be a very interesting tie. Can't wait.
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