Ranking PSG's Attacking Options on Their Goalscoring Threat
No one in Ligue 1 has scored more goals than Paris Saint-Germain this season—with both them and Nice joint top of the scoring charts on 25 goals in 11 games.
Often criticised for not putting teams away with ease, PSG looked much more cohesive and together against Saint-Etienne on Sunday in their 4-1 win.
Collectively, Laurent Blanc's side are becoming better and better, and there is little chance anyone in Ligue 1 can stop them winning the title this season; but how do they rank individually?
Here are PSG's attacking options ranked in order of their goalscoring threat.
8. Jean-Kevin Augustin
1 of 8
Jean-Kevin Augustin had a great pre-season with the club and has made one start in PSG's league campaign, but his chances will be limited.
With 93 minutes played over the first 11 games, the 18-year-old knows he is at the bottom of the pecking order, but he will just have to try his best to stand out when the opportunity arises.
7. Lucas Moura
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This was meant to be a break-out season for the 23-year-old Brazilian, but the arrival of Angel Di Maria has put a road block in his way.
Lucas Moura has started eight times this season, but he will be disappointed to only have picked up two goals so far.
The 23-year-old is still underachieving, and you hope there is more to come.
6. Javier Pastore
3 of 8
The Argentinian playmaker is more likely to create chances rather than put them away, but Javier Pastore showed against Guingamp that he can find the back of the net.
If the former Palermo man, 26, adds a killer instinct to his finishing and not just his passing, he could—and probably should—score more than six or seven goals this season.
5. Ezequiel Lavezzi
4 of 8
Although Ezequiel Lavezzi has only started two of PSG’s league games so far, the Argentinian forward has already opened his account.
You get the feeling that the 30-year-old still has enough quality to come off the bench when teams have been worn down and trouble them with his direct style and pace; but consistency remains his weakest point.
4. Blaise Matuidi
5 of 8
As the most attacking of PSG’s regular midfield trio, it’s no surprise that Blaise Matuidi has already scored twice this season—the biggest shock is that he hasn’t scored more.
His bursting runs into the box are a superb feature of PSG’s play, and blessed with a superb left foot, the 28-year-old could make it into double figures this season with a little more confidence.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic dropping deep, there is always space through the centre to break into goalscoring positions, Matuidi just needs to trust his instinct and get into those areas.
3. Angel Di Maria
6 of 8
Angel Di Maria has settled fairly well into life at the Parc des Princes. The big summer recruit has the creativity of Pastore, shown by his three assists, but also has more of an attacking edge to his game.
His two goals already this season show that, when it comes together, the 27-year-old really is an all-round threat.
Once his understanding with Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic develops further and defences are keen to stop the other two, space could open up for the Argentinian.
2. Edinson Cavani
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Edinson Cavani’s performances may not be at the overall level you would expect from the former Napoli man, but regardless of his individual displays, he finds a way to get among the goals.
In just nine starts he has seven goals so far this season. He may still not be happy playing second fiddle to Ibrahimovic, but if he continues putting the ball in the back of the net, his actual performances won’t matter—but that’s just the league.
To really impress, the 28-year-old has to show the same goalscoring threat in the Champions League.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
8 of 8
Perhaps still suffering from injury, definitely not at his best, maybe past his prime, but the Swedish talisman still has seven goals in seven games this season.
No matter how Zlatan Ibrahimovic is playing, put him on the pitch, and he often finds a way to score goals. He may be fortunate at times, but his instincts are always there.
If he can play more than 25 games this season, there is a great chance the 34-year-old could score over 20 goals—or could he end his PSG career by breaking the 30 barrier?
It would be a fitting way for the club's all-time leading goalscorer to end his time in Paris.
