Luis Enrique is clear: for his PSG, there is no question of recruiting a traditional center forward. However, supporters have been calling for reinforcement at this position for years. The Spaniard, inflexible, recommends “false 9” profiles. Here are five “false 9s” that could fit into his philosophy.
Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain offers an attractive game, but one shortcoming prevents the team from really convincing: the absence of a killer up front. Made up of talented and skillful players, capable of making differences, particularly on the wings, PSG is like a headless body in the absence of a finisher. The latest disappointments in the Champions League have inexorably illustrated this deficiency, which must be resolved as quickly as possible.
But Luis Enrique is ready to die with his ideas, and for him, there is no need for a number 9. The Spanish coach is satisfied with his squad and believes that he has the men necessary to meet this challenge. Moreover, he made no secret of being more Marco Asensio than Randal Kolo Muani, namely more of a “false 9” profile than a traditional center forward. Here is a selection of “false 9s” which, with a little luck, could make Luis Enrique think.
Omar Marmoush, the Bundesliga sensation
The Egyptian from Eintracht Frankfurt is unstoppable this season. A true revelation in Germany, Marmoush (25 years old) walks on water with 11 goals and 7 assists in 10 games this season. Versatile, fast, technical, and with good game vision, he fits well into fluid playing patterns and could represent an option of choice for PSG. Frankfurt has set its price at around 60 million euros.
Ryan Cherki, this time for good?
The 21-year-old Lyon prodigy is known for his creativity and dribbling skills. Long announced at PSG this summer, Cherki finally chose to extend his contract at OL. However, faced with the financial crisis that the Gones club is going through, John Textor could well sell off many players, Cherki included. His talent, speed and ease in small spaces make him a perfect false 9 for a possession game. Cherki is estimated at 20 million euros.
Luis Díaz, the made-in striker Luis Enrique
Just like Cherki, Luis Diaz was once linked to a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, to no avail. Although Diaz shines brightly within an intractable Liverpool, the Parisian leaders would have the good idea to relaunch the file. A trained winger, the 27-year-old Colombian can play perfectly in a false 9 role, like his XXL match against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a hat-trick. Explosiveness, finishing, depth and ability to cross into the middle: Luis Diaz is the ideal solution for Luis Enrique. Its price is estimated at 80 million euros.
Cole Palmer, the new Lord of the Blues
Perhaps still little known to the general public, Cole Palmer is a true gem of European football. At Chelsea, he embodies the Blues' return to form and is already establishing himself as a leader of the team, at only 22 years old. Comfortable in the position of a supporting attacker, his youth does not prevent him from displaying a mature reading of the game and a sense of teamwork. With his creative touch, silky left foot and ability to deliver precise passes, Palmer would be a perfect fit for Enrique's style. The young Englishman is estimated at 90 million euros.
Jamal Musiala, to continue dreaming bigger?
It is undoubtedly an unrealizable dream, knowing that Bayern Munich has not the slightest intention of parting with its star, but why not dream? “Dream bigger” is after all the motto of PSG. With Jamal Musiala, the Parisian club could dream of including a raw talent in its squad, capable of slipping between the lines and eliminating several defenders single-handedly. Unpredictable and creative, his offensive flair would fit perfectly with Luis Enrique's style of play. The 21-year-old German striker is estimated at 130 million euros on the transfer market.
