PSG's Weak Links Exposed: Reims Match Ratings

Madrid Editorial Teams

You need 3 min read

·

Post on Mar 28, 2025

45 visitor like this post

Share

PSG's Weak Links Exposed: Reims Match Ratings

Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) recent encounter with Stade de Reims highlighted some concerning vulnerabilities within the squad, despite securing a 2-0 victory. While the final score suggests a comfortable win, a closer look at individual performances reveals chinks in the armor that could prove costly in tougher upcoming matches, particularly in the Champions League. This detailed match rating breakdown exposes PSG's weak links and analyzes their performance against Reims.

A Closer Look at the Performance

The match against Reims wasn't the dominant display expected from a team boasting the star power of PSG. While goals from Kylian Mbappé and Marco Verratti secured the three points, several players underperformed, leaving questions about the team's overall cohesion and resilience.

Defensive Fragility: A Persistent Issue

PSG's defense, often lauded for its individual talent, showed worrying signs of vulnerability against Reims' attacks. The midfield's inability to consistently provide defensive cover left the backline exposed on several occasions. While a clean sheet was achieved, the number of chances conceded, particularly through the wings, indicates a need for improvement in defensive organization and communication.

• Sergio Ramos: (Rating: 6/10) While experienced, Ramos seemed a step behind at times, struggling to cope with Reims' faster forwards. His passing accuracy also needs improvement.
• Marquinhos: (Rating: 7/10) The captain put in a relatively solid shift, but even he couldn't entirely compensate for the defensive frailties around him.
• Achraf Hakimi: (Rating: 6.5/10) Showed glimpses of his attacking prowess but was occasionally caught out of position defensively.

Overall Defensive Rating: 6.5/10 - Needs Improvement: Defensive communication, midfield cover, and consistent marking.

Midfield Struggles: Lack of Control

The midfield battle was arguably where PSG lost the most ground. While Verratti shone with his goal and overall influence, the supporting cast failed to consistently dominate possession or provide the necessary defensive support. This allowed Reims to create more opportunities than expected.

• Marco Verratti: (Rating: 8.5/10) PSG's best player on the day. His goal and overall control in midfield were crucial.
• Vitinha: (Rating: 6/10) Lacked the dynamism and decisiveness needed to control the midfield battle.
• Fabian Ruiz: (Rating: 6.5/10) Showed glimpses of talent but needs more consistency.

Overall Midfield Rating: 7/10 - Needs Improvement: Consistent possession dominance, improved defensive support and creative passing in the final third.

Attacking Inconsistency: Reliance on Individual Brilliance

PSG's attack, while ultimately producing two goals, lacked the fluidity and incisiveness expected. Too often, they relied on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team play. This reliance on individual skill, while effective against weaker opponents, will be exploited by top-tier teams in the Champions League.

• Kylian Mbappé: (Rating: 8/10) His goal was a crucial moment in the match, showcasing his world-class finishing.
• Lionel Messi: (Rating: 7/10) His overall contribution was less impactful than usual, lacking the cutting edge in the final third. His creative passing was also less effective than usual.
• Neymar: (Rating: 7.5/10) Showed flashes of brilliance but was inconsistent throughout the match.

Overall Attacking Rating: 7.5/10 - Needs Improvement: Improved team play, increased creative passing, and less reliance on individual brilliance.

Conclusion: Areas for Improvement

The victory over Reims, while positive in terms of securing three points, exposed several weak links within the PSG squad. The defensive fragility, midfield struggles, and attacking inconsistencies need immediate attention. Failure to address these issues could have severe consequences as PSG faces more challenging opponents in the upcoming Champions League campaign. Coach Christophe Galtier needs to implement tactical adjustments and foster better teamwork to ensure PSG fulfills its ambitious targets this season.