How can Idrissa Gueye improve PSG?
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Everton midfielder could be on the move
Paris Saint-Germain look set to stroll to the Ligue 1 title again this season. They’re 13 points clear, having played two games less than second-placed Lille.
But they’re still looking to improve their squad before the transfer window shuts on Thursday. The French champions have wrapped up a deal to sign Leandro Paredes from Zenit Saint Petersburg. And they’re also keen to bring in Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye too.
The Toffees have turned down a £21.5m bid for the 29-year-old, which reportedly led to Gueye handing in a transfer request.
With Thomas Tuchel’s side 7/1 to win the Champions League, we’ve taken a look at what Gueye could add…
Tough tackling
In Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani, PSG have one of the best attacks in world football. They get plenty of chances with Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and Julian Draxler providing the ammo too.
The Parisian side scored more goals than any other side during the Champions League group stages (17). But are they secure enough at the other end of the pitch? They conceded nine goals on their way to topping Group C, more than any other group winner.
Gueye has made more tackles than anyone else in the Premier League this season (83). He’d help them to win possession back quickly and stay on the front foot.
Change of approach
PSG don’t tend to play with a traditional defensive midfielder. There isn’t usually much need for one in domestic action. But after growing so used to winning games without much effort, facing a top side often comes as a shock to the system.
Bringing in a player like Gueye could bring them a step closer to that coveted European title.
Their possession-based game isn’t as effective against the likes of Manchester City or Barcelona, who are arguably even better at moving the ball around.
Verratti and Di Maria can look awkward when pressed into defensive action. But Gueye could come in and screen the defence, making them a more secure unit.
It’s a team game
Despite Tuchel’s best efforts, PSG can still look more like a collection of individuals than a proper team at times.
They’ve got the star quality to make the difference more often than not, but a less glamorous name like Gueye could improve the whole.
He’s prepared to do the dirty work that gives the likes of Neymar the freedom to shine. With Manchester United looking rampant lately, he could prove to be a very smart addition. PSG are 8/5 to win at Old Trafford next week.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
