Tottenham face a huge test in the UEFA Super Cup final against a PSG side stacked with talent, and if Thomas Frank’s men are to lift the trophy, they will need to find a way to keep several key players quiet.
It does not get any bigger for Tottenham Hotspur when they take on Luis Enrique’s side on Wednesday in the UEFA Super Cup final.
The French outfit boasts one of the most complete squads in Europe, having just secured a treble while dispatching several top teams along the way.
In the UEFA Champions League, PSG defeated every single Premier League side they faced; however, Chelsea showed that there are chinks in their armour, with Enzo Maresca masterminding a 3-0 dismantling of the Parisians in the Club World Cup.
We have now highlighted the five PSG players Thomas Frank and his staff will have to silence if they are to come away with silverware in Udine, Italy.
Ousmane Dembele as a false nine could trouble Tottenham
Ousmane Dembele was one of Paris Saint-Germain’s standout performers last season, with the French forward amassing 51 goal contributions, scoring 35 goals and providing 16 assists.
His role in Enrique’s system has elevated his all-round game, making him a constant threat both in and out of possession.
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The 28-year-old is relentless when pressing from the front, often forcing mistakes from sides looking to play out from the back and ensuring PSG maintain their aggressive, front-foot style.
With the ball, Dembele’s ability to link play, find the net, and pick the right pass makes him a nightmare for centre-backs. His false nine positioning can pull defenders out of shape, and if Tottenham’s back line loses discipline, it could open up dangerous spaces. If Spurs are to prevail, denying Dembele influence in both phases will be vital.
Vitinha’s understated influence is equally vital
PSG’s XI blends headline-grabbing stars with less glamorous but equally important figures, and Vitinha epitomises that balance.
Operating in the midfield engine room, the Portuguese international keeps PSG ticking, dictating tempo and linking phases of play.
Last season, he registered eight goals and five assists, proving that he can influence matches in the final third as well as maintain control in possession.
Tottenham will need to limit Vitinha’s time on the ball and disrupt his rhythm if they want to disturb PSG’s flow and prevent him from pulling the strings.
Fabian Ruiz offers threat from deep and late runs
One of PSG’s greatest strengths is that almost every player in their line-up carries a goal threat, and Fabian Ruiz is no exception.
The Spaniard has a knack for popping up with decisive goals and assists for both club and country. Tottenham’s failure to close down Bayern Munich in their last friendly clash proved costly, and Ruiz is more than capable of exploiting similar gaps, whether with long-range strikes or well-timed surges into the box.
If Spurs are to limit PSG’s scoring options, they must track Ruiz’s runs diligently and apply pressure before he can get a shot away.
Spurs must find a way to deal with Nuno Mendes
While the obvious focus will be on PSG’s attacking stars, Tottenham must also deal with the threat posed by Nuno Mendes at the back.
The full-back was outstanding last season, combining strong one-v-one defending with recovery pace that allows him to join the attack without leaving gaps in behind.
Mendes has consistently shut down top wingers, but Chelsea found joy against him in the Club World Cup by deploying Cole Palmer inside while Malo Gusto held the width, nullifying his influence.
If Tottenham can identify and exploit similar weaknesses, restricting Mendes both defensively and offensively, they will improve their chances of controlling the game.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remains a danger on the wing
Tottenham were linked with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before he joined Napoli, and since then, the Georgian has evolved into one of Europe’s most dangerous wide players.
Now at PSG, the 24-year-old’s blend of pace, direct dribbling, and unpredictability makes him a nightmare for defenders.
In the Super Cup final, it will likely fall to Pedro Porro and Mohammed Kudus to contain him, which will be no small task.
Kvaratskhelia is comfortable taking on opponents inside or outside, and his creativity can unlock defences in an instant. Limiting his space and cutting off supply will be essential if Spurs are to avoid being undone on the flanks.