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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have spent over a billion Euros to build the perfect squad since the running of the club was taken over by Qatari investors in 2011. Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi has employed a hands-on approach to issues concerning the club, leaving no stone unturned.
However, since the takeover in 2011, PSG have not won their most-coveted trophy yet, coming closest in 2020. Domestically, they blow their opponents away most times, but they somehow falter in the Champions League despite having star players.
PSG players always disappoint on the biggest stage
PSG have assembled a squad of some of the biggest names and best players in Europe, but many of these players do not deliver consistently for them. Here is a list of five PSG players who lack consistency:
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#5 Mauro Icardi
When Argentine striker Mauro Icardi joined PSG, it was assumed that the club had signed one of the most lethal finishers in world football. Icardi has the ability to finish in many different ways, as shown in his days at Inter before he moved to PSG.
The striker, however, has let his off-the-field problems find a way to hamper him from being consistent for PSG this season. Now 28 years of age, the former Argentine international scored three goals in his first six appearances this season, but has failed to find the net since then.
Icardi was one of the big names brought in by PSG to help them build the biggest team in Europe, but has fallen short of the set standards. The striker has been linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes in recent seasons and the club may want to move him on based on his performance.
#4 Julian Draxler
PSG spent big on signing Julian Draxler ahead of the 2016-17 season from Wolfsburg, but may say they have not received the returns on their investment. Now 28, the German midfielder has failed to nail down a starting shirt at PSG in over five seasons at the club.
Draxler has lacked the consistency required to perform at the highest level for PSG and, as a result, he was hardly trusted by PSG managers. The German international has appeared 14 times this season, with two goals and as many assists to show for it.
Draxler needs to perform more consistently if he wants to remain at PSG, a huge ask given the array of stars ahead of him in the current pecking order.
#3 Thilo Kehrer
PSG and Germany international defender Thilo Kehrer is another who has underwhelmed at times. The 25-year-old joined PSG from Schalke, having been one of the German side's brightest talents, but has failed to nail down a starting berth at the club.
Kehrer has found himself behind Marquinhos and Presnel Kimpembe in the pecking order at PSG. With Sergio Ramos also making his debut now, it will be tough for Kehrer to enjoy regular involvement.
He has appeared 14 times for PSG in all competitions under Mauricio Pochettino this season, enough time to make an impression and stake a claim for more.
The Germany international has looked shaky at times for PSG, and excellent at other times. Kehrer is another player who needs to deliver consistently for Les Parisiens to justify their transfer outlay on him.
#2 Danilo Pereira
Portuguese midfielder Danilo Pereira was brought in from FC Porto on an initial loan deal before being signed on a permanent basis for €16 million this summer. While he does not have a huge transfer fee to justify, Danilo has not performed excellently for PSG every time he has been called upon.
The defensive midfielder has played 16 times for the French giants this season but has failed to perform consistently. After he was signed on loan, Danilo delivered a number of top-notch performances, particularly in the Champions League, to earn a permanent deal.
Since then, however, the midfielder has delivered lots of average performances in the middle of the park for Les Parisiens.
The Portugal international needs to add consistency to his game in order to make a lasting impression at the Parc des Princes, or he might be moved on before long.
#1 Neymar
PSG made Neymar the most expensive player in the world for one reason, to win them the UEFA Champions League. The Brazilian superstar has yet to deliver the trophy to the Parc des Princes since joining in the 2017-18 season.
Neymar has scored 90 goals and made 55 assists in only 129 appearances in PSG colors, but has been unavailable to help the team too many times. The brilliant Brazilian has missed a huge chunk of games, appearing 30, 28, 27 and 31 times in the last four seasons, respectively.
In the last two seasons, PSG have reached the latter stages of the Champions League without tasting success, losing in the final in 2020 and in the semi-finals in 2021.
In all of those games, he did not reach the levels expected of him. In the 2020 final, Neymar only completed 57% of his passes and four dribbles from seven attempts. He had only one shot on target for the side.
The Brazilian star needs to improve on his big-game performances for Les Parisiens to justify the outrageous amount of money spent on him. With the supporting cast afforded to him, Neymar should be leading PSG to their most coveted title.
