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Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer transfer window. The Barcelona legend left the Nou Camp after 21 long years. However, the 7-time Ballon d'Or winner is yet to prove his worth to the French giants.
Lionel Messi is yet to get up and running for PSG
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Lionel Messi joined PSG nearly six months ago but has only managed 18 appearances across all competitions since then. In that period, he has scored six goals and provided six assists. However, he has only scored once in Ligue 1.
Moreover, Messi has been horribly inconsistent and it is starting to affect the way Mauricio Pochettino wants PSG to play. Other players in the team have taken their game to the next level this season and have been far more important for the club.
On that note, let us take a look at five players more important to PSG than Lionel Messi.
#5 Marquinhos
Since Thiago Silva left PSG in the summer of 2020, Marquinhos has been the leader at the club and dons the captain's armband with the same vigor. The Brazilian has been at the club since 2013 and is a vital asset in the squad.
Although he can play in multiple positions and several formations, the former AS Roma ace has operated in the centre-back role this season. His distribution of the ball from the back, tenacity in tackles and intelligence in holding a high line are just some of the benefits of having him in the team.
Moreover, Marquinhos is the experienced head alongside Presnel Kimpembe and provides calm in an otherwise chaotic backline. While he has played in defense this season, Marquinhos has still managed to contribute four goals in 23 appearances.
The South American star has been an able player at the back and has contributed to the club's goal tally. Lionel Messi may well turn things around in the second half of the campaign but Marquinhos is certainly more important to the club at the moment.
#4 Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas is arguably the most underrated footballer of his generation. The shot-stopper signed for the Parisians in 2019 after winning three Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Nevas proved to be a key player in his debut season at the Parc des Princes as PSG reached the final of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Although the French giants failed to win the UCL, Navas has been starting for them in goal since then. Despite the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma this term, Navas has retained his starting spot in the league while the Italian plays in the cup competitions.
The Costa Rice international has managed five clean sheets in 13 league games and his overall game is hugely influential to the way PSG operates. The French outfit are extremely attacking, with the full-backs also spending more time in the attacking half than in the defensive one.
This makes them prone to several counter-attacks and Navas proves his worth in these situations. The 35-year-old ace is terrific at reading crosses and winning the ball in 1v1 situations.
Lionel Messi may be the best player on the planet but Navas is currently providing more value to PSG than the right-winger.
#3 Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi did his best in the AFCON with Morocco but was none too shabby at PSG either before he left for international duty. Alongside Lionel Messi, the African star was one of five players that arrived at the Parc des Princes in the summer.
Currently one of the best full-backs in world football, Hakimi is an adventurous runner with the ball and a clever defender. He was used as a full-back at Inter Milan last season but has operated as a more traditional right-back this term.
Hakimi's tactical nous at the back has come into question at times but his pace, agility and quick thinking often resolve those problems. Functioning on the same wing as Lionel Messi, Hakimi has looked the more dangerous option due to his crossing ability and eye for goal. The 23-year-old ace has scored three goals and provided three assists in 25 games for PSG this season.
Lionel Messi draws a lot of attention for Hakimi to flourish on the right-wing. However, the Moroccan star has produced value and has been a great asset to his side.
#2 Marco Verrati
Marco Verratti is the longest-serving player at PSG from the current squad and it certainly shows in the way he approaches the game. The Italian international won the Euros in the summer and has continued his stellar displays with the French club.
Although he is only 5'4, Verratti is a huge presence in the midfield and can dictate play against the best teams in the world. It must also be noted that while PSG have spent gloriously in the past decade, the former Pescara ace remains arguably their most valuable player.
Verratti's awareness, quick feet and passing range are just some of the qualities that make him an elegant player. The 29-year-old ace has made 18 appearances this season and has scored two goals in that period.
#1 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best player in French football at the moment, if not the world. It is no surprise that the Ligue 1 club are trying to tie him down to a new deal before he can leave at the end of the season.
The France international is fast, lethal and incisive in his play, causing fear in the minds of most defenders in the world. Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi have been absent for several important games this season and Mbappe has delivered in those moments.
Mbappe is one of the key reasons behind PSG being at the top of the league table. To put his importance into perspective, the 23-year-old ace has scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in 29 appearances.
Lionel Messi is still an unbelievable player but Mbappe is perhaps the biggest star at PSG.
