Waiting For Pochettino's Cold Hand Concoction After Messi Joined PSG

Mauricio Pochettino (Instagram @psg)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi officially became a Paris Saint-Germain player on Wednesday morning. La Pulga has completed a historic step in his career.

When coach Mauricio Pochettino looks at his squad list, he has practically one of the best, if not the best, groups in the world.

Real Madrid's galactico squad of the early 2000s will never be forgotten, and this PSG side can be viewed as a group of equal talent.

Before the summer window, this Parisian club was already very flashy with high talents such as Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. However, over the last few months, they have added some world class players, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos, Achraf Hakimi, Giorginio Wijnaldum and now Messi.

Pochettino will probably have a bit of a problem with player selection if he wants to accommodate all the stars in his squad.

Except for the goalkeeper and the three forwards who have determined their respective places. Yes, Donnarumma will almost certainly be the first choice in goal. Meanwhile, Mbappe, Neymar and Messi will fill the front lines.

Then, what about the back and midfield?

Can Pochettino choose the 3-4-3 pattern?

Since arriving in Paris last season, Pochettino has always played back four. But with Ramos, Presnel Kimpembe and Marquinhos he can play a back three. Meanwhile, Hakimi will be at full-back alongside Angel Di Maria as is customary in the modern game.

This will leave two central midfield positions up for grabs between Wijnaldum, Marco Verratti, Leandro Paredes, Danilo Pereira and Idrissa Gueye.

How about a 4-3-3 pattern?

The Argentine prefers to play a back four and has several options.

He can play Abdou Diallo or Juan Bernat at left-back with Hakimi at right. The center back position can be filled by Ramos, Marquinhos or Kimpembe, who can also play at left-back.

This formation will require players in midfield positions who are able to go up and down the field. It will benefit Verratti, Paredes and Wijnaldum more than Di Maria.