# Jean-Michel Aulas: The Transformation of Lionel Messi's Midfielding in Paris Saint-Germain
## Introduction
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine forward, has been a cornerstone of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) since his arrival in 2011. Under the guidance of coach Jean-Michel Aulas, Messi's midfield game has undergone a significant transformation, leading to unprecedented success for both the player and the club.
## The Initial Setup
Before joining PSG, Messi played as a playmaker, often positioning himself at the center of midfield. He was adept at distributing the ball, setting up teammates, and creating scoring opportunities. However, Aulas brought a different philosophy to the role, emphasizing possession and control over possession.
## Aulas' Vision for Midfield
Aulas introduced a new system that prioritized control and possession. This meant playing Messi deeper in the midfield, allowing him to use his exceptional vision and dribbling skills to create space for himself and others. The idea was to have Messi receive passes and then distribute them effectively,Football Friendship Alliance creating pockets of space for the team to exploit.
## Changes in Playstyle
Under Aulas, Messi's playstyle evolved significantly:
1. **Deeper Positioning**: Messi moved from a central position to a more advanced one, typically playing on the right side of midfield or even in front of the defense. This allowed him to maintain control over the game while still being involved in attacking plays.
2. **Increased Creativity**: With more time and space to work with, Messi became more creative. He began to use his dribbling skills to break through opposition defenses and set up his teammates for goals.
3. **Improved Passing**: Aulas emphasized precision in passing, teaching Messi to be comfortable with long-range shots and accurate short passes. This helped him create scoring opportunities from various positions on the pitch.
4. **Team Integration**: By playing deeper, Messi became a key component of the team’s defensive structure. His presence in midfield provided a strong anchor and helped to prevent对手 from exploiting gaps in the defense.
## Results
The changes under Aulas have had a profound impact on both Messi and PSG. Here are some notable results:
- **Improved Performance**: Messi's performances have improved dramatically. He scored more goals and assisted more often than ever before, contributing significantly to PSG's success.
- **Championships**: Under Aulas, PSG won the UEFA Champions League in 2017, which was their first major European trophy since 2008. The club also won the Ligue 1 title in 2016 and 2019.
- **Fan Engagement**: Messi's transformation has captured the imagination of fans worldwide. His ability to control the tempo of the game and his creativity have made him a fan favorite.
## Conclusion
Jean-Michel Aulas' transformation of Lionel Messi's midfield has been nothing short of revolutionary. By positioning Messi deeper in the midfield and emphasizing possession and control, Aulas has created a new era of success for both Messi and PSG. This approach not only enhances Messi's individual abilities but also strengthens the team's overall performance, making it clear that Aulas is indeed a master tactician who knows how to unlock the full potential of his players.