‘He’s Isolated’- Arsenal Legend Slams PSG Manager for Playing Lionel Messi Improperly

With PSG signing Lionel Messi, fans were understandably elated by the prospect of him playing alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. However, the Argentinian magician has had a rather slow start to his career.

Despite scoring three goals in the Champions League, Messi is yet to score in Ligue 1. Thus, many fans have questioned the tactics and formations employed by PSG boss, Mauricio Pochettino. Former Arsenal superstar, Thierry Henry, recently gave his take on where PSG should be playing him on the pitch.

Thierry Henry’s take on Lionel Messi

Often regarded as the best player to ever play in the English Premier League, Henry spoke about Messi playing out of position.

“He [Messi] is isolated, he is on the ball less. I wouldn’t say he’s sad, but he’s isolated. I prefer him through the middle. I’m having trouble with Leo out on the right. In the middle, he can set the tempo. Something needs to be found in order to get Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi to play together,” said Henry.

Although Messi played on the right-hand side of Barcelona’s talented attack, he often drifts to a central position. From there, he can be a dominant creative force which benefitted Barcelona for a long time. When he had the likes of Xavi and Iniesta on his side, the trio would link up to make, arguably, the greatest club side in the history of soccer.

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What can PSG do to make it work?

Henry also stated how Kylian Mbappe currently leads the PSG team and not Messi.

“Messi doesn’t speak a lot, he speaks with the ball. For now, it’s Kylian’s team. Kylian is the one who’s making it shine most of all. The ball goes more towards him,” said Henry.

Mbappe’s talent is undeniable and his explosiveness has saved PSG’s blushes on multiple occasions this season already. However, long-term, Poch needs to find the right balance between Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi and allow all three of them to flourish.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Group A – Paris St Germain v RB Leipzig – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – October 19, 2021 Paris St Germain’s Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal with Kylian Mbappe REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

While he does have an embarrassment of riches at his disposal, Poch’s dilemma is understandable since all three superstars offer little when PSG are out of position. Any attempt to fit all three in the lineup thus leaves them vulnerable at the back. It’s an enviable problem to have, but it is still a problem. Hopefully, Poch and PSG can figure it out sooner rather than later.

Where do you think Messi should play?

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