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In Focus: Which formation will get the best out of PSG's Mbappe?
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Callum Rice-Coates
LiveScore
Kylian Mbappe's performance at Bayern Munich last week has left Mauricio Pochettino with a decision to make
Kylian Mbappe's performance at Bayern Munich last week has left Mauricio Pochettino with a decision to make

Mauricio Pochettino has a dilemma — but it is one that would make many of Europe’s top coaches envious. 

Following Paris Saint-Germain’s impressive 3-2 win over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, questions are being asked about where Kylian Mbappe might be utilised most effectively. 

He played as a No9 at the Allianz Arena last week, operating as the spearhead of PSG’s attack in a 4-2-3-1 system. 

Typically, the prolific forward has been fielded on the left of a 4-3-3 — but has Pochettino now hit upon the best role for his young star? 

Ahead of tonight's second leg in Paris, we assess his options.

System change

With Neymar behind Mbappe as a No10, PSG wreaked havoc in central areas against a Bayern side intent on playing their brand of high-intensity, high-risk attacking football. 

And Pochettino may be tempted to stick with this slight tweak, particularly in important games against quality opposition. 

It will not be lost on him that PSG do not currently have the kind of natural No9 capable of firing them to success. 

Mauro Icardi has been a bit-part player this season and Moise Kean, while catching the eye on loan from Everton, is still relatively unproven.

A minor difference

Mbappe, 22, has grown accustomed to starting on the left and it certainly has not hindered his ability to score goals — he has hit 14 in 17 starts for club and country from that position this term. 

As a central striker, Mbappe has scored 12 goals in 16 starts, so the difference is negligible. 

Kylian Mbappe netted his 33rd goal of the season as PSG beat Strasbourg 4-1 at the weekend
Kylian Mbappe netted his 33rd goal of the season as PSG beat Strasbourg 4-1 at the weekend

Pochettino has also previously suggested the France international is better suited to a slightly deeper role.

Momentum and freedom

When discussing Mbappe’s optimum position back in February, the former Tottenham boss said: "After a few weeks of work, you start to find the best position for each player. 

"By playing behind or next to an attacker, a player like Kylian can find more space to exploit his speed. 

"It also gives him some momentum, freedom to be able to go to the right, to the left or to come back to the centre. 

"For the moment, I am very happy with his performance in this position."

An influential duo

Consistently playing as the focal point of PSG’s attack with Neymar at No10 could take Mbappe’s goalscoring to another level. 

It would also allow for more regular combinations — as we saw in Bavaria — between the team’s most influential duo. 

Mauricio Pochettino (right) will have to decide whether to play Kylian Mbappe through the middle or from the left
Mauricio Pochettino (right) will have to decide whether to play Kylian Mbappe through the middle or from the left

Getting the most out of them is essential. 

Mbappe’s potential switch to a No9 in a 4-2-3-1 could also render any search for a new striker unnecessary. 

And with Angel Di Maria and Julian Draxler on either flank, there is a nice balance to PSG's attacking quartet.

Options

Pochettino can also turn to Kean, 21, if needed. 

He was on the scoresheet again on Saturday in a 4-1 win at Strasbourg as Mbappe moved back to the left and got a goal and an assist. 

There are plenty of options for PSG but the Bayern win was a display of such attacking efficiency that it will be difficult for Pochettino to ignore. 

The simplicity of fielding Mbappe and Neymar as a devastating central partnership could be the catalyst for the Parisians to win that elusive Champions League title.

Tags

Kylian Mbappe LottinParis Saint-GermainBayern Munich
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