Born in Pescara, Marco Verratti saw himself thrust into the spotlight last season when leading his home town team to the Serie B title. Dubbed the ‘new Andrea Pirlo’ by some, he was an instrumental part of Zdenek Zeman’s attacking side.
Since first rising though the Pescara youth system he had been tipped for a very bright future. His break through came last season when Zeman was installed as manager and placed Verratti at the centre of his starting eleven.
The young midfielder possessed the necessary attributes to fit perfectly into the mediano position in the Czech manager’s famous 4-3-3 formation. In this position Verratti would be able to collect the ball and survey the oppositions half allowing him to find that killer pass and unlock defences.
The comparisons to Pirlo, Verratti’s idol growing up, quickly followed. Despite the attention and increased pressure Verratti guided the Delfini to top spot in Serie B, laying on nine goals for his team mates in the process. The prospect of seeing Pescara’s attacking exploits in the peninsula’s top league would not be a reality however. Loanees Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne returned to Juventus and Napoli respectively. As for Verratti, well there was little Pescara could do once Europe’s latest moneybag club, PSG, expressed an interest.
Once a fee just shy of €11 million had been agreed the 19 year old joined the Parisians on a five year contract. Under the stewardship of Carlo Ancelotti the Paris side are looking to take their place amongst Europes elite, but could Verratti feature so soon?
Ancelotti has implemented a 4-3-3 formation at the Parc des Princes which suggests that the talented midfielder could slot into a role similar to the one he enjoyed for Pescara. Moreover Ancelotti clearly identified the youngster’s ability and potential to take up that role on a larger stage. However the possibility for Verratti to become a regular on the bench each week is all too obvious.
Still at such a young age and with PSG craving instant success, that combination is not necessarily the best situation for a young player to receive the regular games needed to develop. Furthermore with the plethora of talent available to Ancelotti Verratti might find himself as a bit part player. Worse still there are fears that he may be forced out wide, a position in which his best attributes would not be utilised.
The move to the French capital brings with it a new style of football that the midfielder must adapt too. The names; Alessandro Rosina, Salvatore Bochetti and Giuseppe Rossi, highlight the mixed results when players have opted to ply their trade abroad in recent years.
However the beginning of the season has given reason for encouragement. Verratti was handed his debut on the opening day alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ezequiel Lavezzi. Despite a sluggish performance the opportunity to play with such established talents can only have a positive influence on his career.
Of course the big question is how much time Ancelotti and his men will be afforded? If the squad is rightfully given the time to gel and can do so quickly, Verratti should enjoy a long and successful spell in Ligue 1. The Paris midfield currently lacks the creative and visionary spark that the youngster showed he can produce last season.
The additions of Lavezzi and Ibrahimovic are powerful statements but their production on the field will be limited unless they receive good service from the central areas. Signing Verratti signalled that he was the player who could act as the midfield catalyst in both the short and long term. The three developing a good understanding could be a key component to PSG securing their first title in seventeen years.
Ultimately all eyes will be on Paris this season to see how their star studded line up fairs. The name Verratti may not jump out to wider audiences but he could be a major contributor in the clubs push for silverware. Whatever transpires this coming season fingers will be crossed throughout the peninsula in the hope he can flourish in the red and blue.
