The report says Marco Verratti was central to that balance, and that argument holds up. At their best, PSG had a midfielder who could receive under pressure, slow the game when needed and speed it up with one turn. That role gave the forwards room to drift, combine and attack without constantly dropping deep to rescue possession.
Behind him, Marquinhos appears to have been just as important. He has long represented the reliable side of PSG’s dominance: positioning, recovery defending and leadership. Reports suggest he has played more than 500 matches for the club, a mark of continuity in a side that often changed around its stars.
Balance did not diminish the attackers; it amplified them.
The report says Mbappé became the club’s record scorer, while Cavani, Neymar and Ibrahimovic each drove title-winning sides in different ways. What linked them was not just talent, but structure around them.
The strongest PSG teams were not simply the ones with the biggest attacking names. They were the ones that blended star quality with rhythm, discipline and defensive security. That is why Verratti and Marquinhos belong in the same conversation as Mbappé, Neymar, Cavani and Ibrahimovic when the club’s golden years are discussed.
As PSG move into their next chapter, the key question is familiar: can the current side recreate that balance, or will the next great team again need a midfield-and-defence spine before the forwards can truly shine?