When a new manager takes over, it comes as no surprise that they’ll find players that are either fitting into their plans heading into the future or not.
Mauricio Pochettino is nearly a month into his managerial position, and players that he doesn’t see fit for what he’s trying to is beginning to show. According to Culture PSG, that won’t be long for the capital club based on their usage by the Argentine tactician through these handful of matches.
Julian Draxler is the obvious choice here, considering the Germany international isn’t long for the club with his contract expiring this summer.
Despite an excellent half-hour against AS Saint-Étienne at the start, it didn’t result in more minutes for Draxler as he only played five in the fixture versus Stade Brestois. Over the last two matches, it became zero as he didn’t appear in the Trophée des Champions win over Olympique de Marseille and Angers SCO.
Two midfielders that can also get lost in the transition from former manager Thomas Tuchel and Pochettino are Idrissa Gueye and Danilo Pereira. The Portugal international saw little minutes against Marseille after returning from injury. Gueye appeared in Pochettino’s first two fixtures but didn’t finish the match. However, the Senegal international has yet to appear since.
It’s no secret that the midfield seems to revolve around Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, and Ander Herrera. Furthermore, if the capital club lands Dele Alli, that’s another body in the midfield.
Colin Dagba and Thilo Kehrer appear to be the odd men out in Pochettino’s system on defense. At striker, Mauro Icardi seems to be reborn as he scored two goals in two matches, including an assist against Brest. As a result, expect tough competition between Icardi and Moise Kean.
Pochettino won’t mold the squad into his version entirely this winter transfer window, but he can see who won’t be in his plans heading into the 2021-22 season.
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