How PSG could line up without Kylian Mbappe this season (2021-22)

Left wing-back: Juan Bernat

Juan Bernat has been a key player for PSG.

Juan Bernat, who has been at PSG for three years, has only made 76 appearances for the club. But he has displayed his attacking output by netting six times and registering ten assists across competitions.

Despite an injury-plagued 2020-21 campaign, where the Spaniard made just three appearances, PSG agreed a contract extension with the 28-year-old. Bernat can play across a handful of positions in the middle and defensive third; he is expected to feature as the left wing-back for PSG this campaign.

Bernat is nearing a return to first-team action, as he has reportedly started practicing with the squad. However, considering his long injury layoff, he is expected to be eased into the team, as PSG look to get him back to full fitness.

Central midfield: Georginio Wijnaldum

PSG's new recruit Georginio Wijnaldum was a key player in the resurgence of Liverpool as a force to be reckoned with under Jurgen Klopp.

An ever-present in midfield for the Reds, the Dutchman notched up 22 goals and 16 assists in almost 250 games. But his contribution to the team's cause was much more than only goal contributions.

The 30-year-old did not hog as much of the limelight as the attackers. But Wijnaldum was one of the leaders and unsung stars at Liverpool, helping the Reds win the UEFA Champions League and Premier League in successive seasons. After leaving Anfield on a free transfer this summer, Wijnaldum joined French giants PSG before Euro 2020.

The Dutchman has already made three appearances for the Ligue 1 giants and could be a key player for them as the season pans out.

Central midfield: Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti has been a key player for PSG over the years.

Marco Verratti, a key player in Italy's triumphant Euro 2020 campaign, has been at PSG for close to a decade.

Regarded as one of the finest midfielders in the game, the 28-year-old sizzled for Italy at the quadrennial tournament. He will now look to continue that form in the 2021-22 season for PSG, who have a new-look roster this season.

Still only 28, the diminutive midfielder has made close to 350 appearances in all competitions for PSG, scoring nine times and dishing out 58 assists. The seven-time Ligue 1 winner, who has played only once this season, will look to help the spate of new arrivals settle down quickly as PSG look to compete on multiple fronts.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 20 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian