As Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick sealed a 3-0 win over Strasbourg in Ligue 1 on Saturday, all eyes were on the French sensation and his performance. However, it seems that Mbappé is carrying the attacking burden largely on his own, as his teammates, Ousmane Dembélé and Randal Kolo Muani, failed to shine.
Sitting alongside Mbappé in PSG’s attacking lineup, Dembélé and Kolo Muani struggled to make an impact in the game against Strasbourg. With nine goals to his name this season, Mbappé’s influence on PSG’s attacking prowess was evident, while his fellow strikers failed to impress.
In a game where PSG coach Luis Enrique decided to rest and rotate his squad ahead of a crucial UEFA Champions League fixture, the lackluster performances of Dembélé and Kolo Muani raised concerns. Both players, who have struggled to replicate their international form at club level, failed to make their mark in the match despite being given the chance to shine.
While Dembélé was described by Enrique as a “unique player”, his inability to find the back of the net for PSG raises questions about his role in the team. On the other hand, Kolo Muani’s lack of impact on the right wing only added to the underwhelming display of PSG’s attacking lineup.
Despite the struggles of Dembélé and Kolo Muani, Bradley Barcola, who was given the opportunity to shine in the starting lineup, impressed with his performances. The winger’s chemistry with Mbappé was evident throughout the game, as they combined to create goalscoring opportunities for PSG.
Looking ahead, with a crucial match against AC Milan looming, Enrique will have to reconsider his attacking options. While the likes of Dembélé and Kolo Muani struggled, the performances of Barcola and Kang-in Lee offer hope for PSG’s rejuvenated attacking line. As the club aims to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League, Enrique’s vision of an attacking and cohesive unit will be put to the test.
With Mbappé’s form shining through, PSG’s attacking lineup faces a test of cohesion and productivity, as Enrique seeks to strike a balance and find the winning formula.
