5 players who are more important to PSG than Lionel Messi

#3 Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi (Left) in action against Manchester City

Achraf Hakimi did his best in the AFCON with Morocco but was none too shabby at PSG either before he left for international duty. Alongside Lionel Messi, the African star was one of five players that arrived at the Parc des Princes in the summer.

Currently one of the best full-backs in world football, Hakimi is an adventurous runner with the ball and a clever defender. He was used as a full-back at Inter Milan last season but has operated as a more traditional right-back this term.

Hakimi's tactical nous at the back has come into question at times but his pace, agility and quick thinking often resolve those problems. Functioning on the same wing as Lionel Messi, Hakimi has looked the more dangerous option due to his crossing ability and eye for goal. The 23-year-old ace has scored three goals and provided three assists in 25 games for PSG this season.

Lionel Messi draws a lot of attention for Hakimi to flourish on the right-wing. However, the Moroccan star has produced value and has been a great asset to his side.

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#2 Marco Verrati

Manchester City v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Semi Final: Leg Two

Marco Verratti is the longest-serving player at PSG from the current squad and it certainly shows in the way he approaches the game. The Italian international won the Euros in the summer and has continued his stellar displays with the French club.

Although he is only 5'4, Verratti is a huge presence in the midfield and can dictate play against the best teams in the world. It must also be noted that while PSG have spent gloriously in the past decade, the former Pescara ace remains arguably their most valuable player.

Verratti's awareness, quick feet and passing range are just some of the qualities that make him an elegant player. The 29-year-old ace has made 18 appearances this season and has scored two goals in that period.

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#1 Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain v RB Leipzig: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Kylian Mbappe is arguably the best player in French football at the moment, if not the world. It is no surprise that the Ligue 1 club are trying to tie him down to a new deal before he can leave at the end of the season.

The France international is fast, lethal and incisive in his play, causing fear in the minds of most defenders in the world. Neymar Jr and Lionel Messi have been absent for several important games this season and Mbappe has delivered in those moments.

Mbappe is one of the key reasons behind PSG being at the top of the league table. To put his importance into perspective, the 23-year-old ace has scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in 29 appearances.

Lionel Messi is still an unbelievable player but Mbappe is perhaps the biggest star at PSG.