There are two Paris Saint-Germain’s, one with Marco Verratti and one that doesn’t have the Italy international in their starting eleven.
Despite the fanbase’s love for the 29-year-old, there’s some growing frustration with Verratti over his availability for big game matches. The midfielder is either injured or suspended, which keeps him out of the lineup.
During a segment on France Bleu Paris (via Paris Fans), French football journalist Julien Froment shared his concern for the capital club relying on the midfielder heading into 2022.
“There is a PSG with and without Marco Verratti. It is, in a way, the V8 engine of PSG. When it is there, we revel in its melodious roar. It is the timing belt between the defense and the attack… In short, an essential part,” Froment said.
“The problem is, this engine seizes up a lot. Only 13 out of 27 possible matches, one out of two matches… Unfortunately, this is a bad habit for Marco Verratti. We have to face the facts: he is not reliable, not enough at least for a club that wants to play on all fronts.”
The January transfer window is about to open, and with their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matchup against Real Madrid looming, PSG has an opportunity to add another midfielder, perhaps.
However, the issue has been finding a midfielder on par with the world-class level that Verratti brings. PSG has added midfielders, but none are at the level of the Italy international, and so Les Parisiens continue to depend on Verratti.
