Marquinhos set for new PSG role as Tuchel misses out on new No.6

Thomas Tuchel has backed Marquinhos to excel in his new role as the team’s No.6 this season and admitted that he was disappointed to have missed out on a new holding midfield player this summer.

Marquinhos, 24, has made a name for himself as one of the most exciting young centre-backs in Europe during his time with PSG, but has started several matches this season in midfield.

The Ligue 1 Champions were reported to be in the market for a No. 6 in the summer, with Thiago Motta retiring and Giovani Lo Celso joining Real Betis on loan.

PSG boss Tuchel has made no secret of the fact that he did want to sign a holding midfield player but believes Marquinhos could have the necessary qualities to become a top-class No. 6.

“Marquinhos is very different to Giovani (Lo Celso),” Tuchel said. “He has the qualities we are looking for, he is fast and strong in his head.

“A player who sacrifices himself willingly is really important. We see that with players like Casemiro, Fabinho, N’Golo Kante and Sergio Busquets, this is what sets this position apart.

“I think that Marquinhos has a lot of the qualities that make his predestined to play in this role.

“I am not 100% satisfied with the summer transfer window, to be honest with you, it was no secret that we were looking for a no.6.

“We were looking to replace Thiago and his personality. For a No.6 at PSG, you need talent and a very big personality. We could not do it – in the end, we ran out of time.

“Now, we have 100 percent confidence in this squad and these players – we are looking forward.”

Is Marquinhos’ future in midfield?

The former Roma man has become one of PSG’s most important players in recent years and has won four Ligue 1 titles since his arrival in 2013.

PSG were expected to add a defensive midfielder to their ranks following Thiago Motta’s retirement but found it hard to identify a player of the necessary quality, with the club determined to win the Champions League in the near future.

Fabinho and N’Golo Kante, who were both name-checked by Tuchel, have both been heavily linked with PSG in the past. Anyone that did arrive would be competing with the likes of Marco Verratti, Adrien Rabiot, Julian Draxler and Lassana Diarra in midfield.

With Marquinhos moving into the centre of the park this season, fellow countryman Thiago Silva has often been partnered with France’s Presnel Kimpembe in the heart of the defence.

 

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