While the PSG offensive trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar often draw a lot of praise, an opponent has recently taken a jab at them for their lack of contribution in defense.
Paris Saint-Germain made one of the biggest signings in football history last season when they signed free agent Lionel Messi. By signing the Argentinian star, PSG have assembled a powerful offensive trio alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
So far, things haven’t exactly gone according to plan as their ultimate goal of winning the UEFA Champions League has yet to be achieved. The French team are back in contention this season, yet the trio continue to face criticism.
While the press has been particularly harsh on Messi and Neymar, all three superstars were recently fired by Reims captain Yunis Abdelhamid following their 1-1 draw in the 2022-23 Ligue 1 matchday 20.
Reims captain takes a shot at PSG trio of Messi, Mbappe, Neymar
“It was easy to work the ball out of the defence because the front three [Messi, Mbappé, Neymar] don’t defend. We knew on our side that if we passed this first line, they no longer participate in the collective defensive effort,” Abdelhamid said, via Goal. “We worked on that. We wanted to exploit it and that’s what we managed to do. That’s why we created so many chances.”
Reims snatched a late draw against PSG at the Parc des Princes after trailing for much of the game. Neymar put the hosts in front after 51 minutes, before Marco Verratti left the Parisians down to ten men.
Just when the game was heading for the final whistle, Folarin Balogun capitalized on a perfect opportunity to put things level at the 96th minute. PSG still lead the Ligue 1 table three points clear of Lens, but will try and get back to winning ways on Wednesday against Montpellier.