Champions League: PSG has risen through their midfield

Zee Media Bureau/ Rajdeep Saha

New Delhi: French champions Paris Saint Germain host Jose Mourinho`s Chelsea in Paris on Wednesday. The encounter has been billed as an intense master-stroke between two sides with unlimited supply line, thanks to the backing of super-rich oligarchs. However, the focus lies mainly on Jose Mourinho`s tactics and the individual brilliance of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. And rightly, both have made most of the recent say in the build-up to their Champions League quarter-final first leg tie. Mourinho has praised the Swedish front-man and the latter has held his former coach a person he once could die for. Yes, both the sides have individuals who can change the course of a match single-handedly with their performances, but the real battle will take place between two sets of players – both of which are also in contention for their respective national league trophies. The in-form Chelsea defence will look to take guard against PSG`s talisman but the larger threat lies in the latter`s midfield dimension. PSG has monopolised possession and their ability of crisp midfield display has taken a new height under Laurent Blanc, with Marco Verratti as their main weapon. The 21-year-old Italian has been emphatic in recent times seeing him limit French international Yohan Cabaye`s appearances under Blanc to just four starts. The understanding between Verratti with holding midfielder Thiaggo Motta and Blaise Matuidi has an edge over Chelsea in a position where the game could be decided. Ibra too has praised the youngster who idolises Andrea Pirlo. An original No. 10, Verratti has been used in deeper midfield role who occasionally shifts on the left, has the versatility and it may well be the winning factor against the travelling Blues. Besides the Italian, Thiago Motta has also been one important cog in shaping PSG`s midfield supply which is blessed with hard working Matuidi. Chelsea though go into the tie as favourites and Jose will hope to get spot-on with his tactical majesty, but PSG have strength in all parts especially in the heart of their play, which makes this tie even more interesting.The tie will also see Chelsea`s Frank Lampard making his 100th Champions League appearance.