Paris Saint-Germain is utilizing tactical fluidity and the strong form of Achraf Hakimi to bolster its current Champions League ambitions [1, 4].
This shift in performance comes at a critical juncture as the club enters the Round of 16. The team's current approach represents a departure from previous eras that relied heavily on individual superstars to drive results.
BBC Sport Football said that despite boasting squads that have included the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, it is the current Paris St-Germain side that is playing the club's most impressive football [1]. This improvement is attributed to a system of tactical fluidity that allows players to rotate positions and adapt during the match [2, 3].
Achraf Hakimi has emerged as a central figure in this strategy. His current form and specific role on the pitch are cited as key factors boosting the club's hopes of advancing in the tournament [4, 5]. The impact of Hakimi's performance has forced opposing managers to adjust their strategies.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot reportedly altered his tactical plan to overcome the impressive strength of PSG during their first-leg clash at the Parc des Princes [6]. The encounter highlights how the current PSG squad is viewed as a cohesive unit rather than a collection of stars.
The club's ability to maintain this level of play will be essential as they navigate the high-pressure environment of the knockout stages. By prioritizing system fluidity over individual brilliance, the team has created a more unpredictable offensive threat.
“It is the current Paris St-Germain side that is playing the club's most impressive football.”
PSG is transitioning from a 'Galactico' model—defined by the accumulation of world-class individuals—to a system-based approach. By prioritizing tactical fluidity and the specific contributions of versatile players like Hakimi, the club is attempting to find the collective stability that previously eluded them in the Champions League knockout stages.
