Talking Tactics: Bayern Munich can exploit PSG’s narrow midfield
By Kartik Sahni
Who gets the treble?
Kylian Mbappe started with Neymar in the attack against RB Leipzig after recovering from an ankle injury. While none of the goals were secured by the world’s two most expensive forwards, their contribution was massive. Neymar, who usually appears on the left-wing in the starting lineup, has been given the duties of a central playmaker by Thomas Tuchel. By drifting in the central space, Neymar demands the majority of the passes from the defensive side of his squad. His movement has twofold benefits. First being his touch.
If Thiago Alcantara has a touch of gold while playing in the heart of the midfield, then Neymar’s touch is titanium. It is finely crafted, and a slight flick from the Brazilian can lay off a perfect pass for his teammate. The second advantage Neymar boasts in a number ten role is his ability to absorb pressure and dribble past his opponents. Just as titanium’s high-temperature defiant properties, Neymar can easily glide past his markers under extreme pressure. Neymar’s last two outings saw him accumulate six key passes with an expected assists tally of 1.20.
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The onus on Jerome Boateng is likely to increase for this fixture. Neymar will draw attention from the German center-back to close down space, which will leave Mbappe situated on Boateng’s right shoulder to play in the space behind him. This situation should call for Benjamin Pavard to start the game as the right-back. Bayern legend, Lothar Matthaus, would back this. Speaking with Sky, Matthaus was in full support to start Pavard for the finals.
A misplaced pass from Thiago and a poor tackle from Leon Gortezka gave Memphis Depay and Maxwel Cornet a chance to give Lyon an early lead in the semi-finals. A similar opportunity in the finals shall not be spared by PSG’s lethal attackers.