PARIS — PSG midfielder Vitinha has drawn a sharp contrast between the club’s former star-studded attack and its current iteration, suggesting the trio of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe lacked defensive commitment. “You can’t afford to have one, two or three who don’t run,” Vitinha told Canal 11, explaining the tactical evolution under manager Luis Enrique.
While acknowledging their greatness—”They are some of the best in history”—Vitinha added “that’s not always the best thing for the team.” The Portuguese international highlighted how current attackers embrace defensive responsibilities: “The attackers mark the full-backs like crazy. You see a Dembele, a Goncalo, pressing at the edge of the area.”
“That is the difference with the current PSG,” Vitinha said, crediting Luis Enrique for fostering a collective mentality. Despite occasional results not going their way, the midfielder emphasized the squad’s commitment to a high-pressing system, marking a philosophical shift from the club’s previous galaxy of individual stars.