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Including Lionel Messi in the line-up means Paris Saint-Germain are unable to be an elite counter-attacking side, according to Nicholas Anelka.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker has been less than impressed with Messi since he swapped Barcelona for Paris in the summer and his ire showed itself again on French television after a 2-1 defeat to Man City in the Champions League.
PSG started with their famed front three of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe at the Etihad Stadium and Anelka feels boss Mauricio Pochettino has his hands tied in trying to mould a team in his counter-attacking image.
PSG can't be a counter-attacking side if they continue to play Lionel Messi, says Nicolas Anelka
Former PSG striker Anelka believes his old side are limited in their approach with Messi playing
'With Messi, PSG cannot be a counter team,' Anelka told RMC.
'You cannot base the whole team on Kylian Mbappe.'
Messi inadvertently teed up Mbappe for PSG's goal when his cross was deflected into the young Frenchman's path but a lack of willingness from two thirds of the front three to defend is problematic.
On CBS Sports, Thierry Henry echoed similar sentiments to Anelka in that Pochettino's current set-up, while dictated by the talent at his disposal, won't bring success in Europe.
