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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have started their league campaign in incredible fashion, despite not having all of their superstars available.
Their attention will now turn towards the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain are among the favorites to win the competition. Pochettino's side boast the best squad in Europe, and have world-class players in every position.
Paris Saint-Germain will face Club Brugge at the Jan Breydel Stadium on Wednesday in the group stage. We look at PSG's possible starting XI for the Champions League encounter against Club Brugge.
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma made his first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain a few days ago against Clermont Foot.
Donnarumma kept a clean sheet as Paris Saint-Germain beat their opponents 4-0. It will be interesting to see how manager Mauricio Pochettino rotates his goalkeepers this season. He has two world-class options in Donnarumma and Keylor Navas.
Navas has been excellent since joining the Ligue 1 giants from Real Madrid. Donnarumma, however, is a more glamorous name. The Italy international won the UEFA European Championship Player of the Tournament as he helped his country win the Euros. Arguments can be made for both Navas and Donnarumma, and Pochettino now has a welcome headache.
Also Read: Top 5 favorites for the Premier League golden boot this season - September 2021
Right-back - Achraf Hakimi
Unlike the goalkeeping situation, this one is relatively clear. Achraf Hakimi is one of the best right-backs in the world, and will start on a regular basis for his club.
Paris Saint-Germain's travelling squad to Belgium contains only one recognised senior right-back in Hakimi. Thilo Kehrer can operate there if needed. Hakimi is a sensational player, a fearsome mixture of technical qualities and pace. He is renowned for his dynamic play on the wings.
The Morocco international joined PSG from Inter Milan this summer for £54 million. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to his career in France.
Centre-back - Thilo Kehrer
Presnel Kimpembe has been named in the traveling squad, but it remains to be seen whether he is fully fit.
With Sergio Ramos out injured, Thilo Kehrer looks likely to play alongside Marquinhos at centre-back. Kehrer cost Paris Saint-Germain £33.3 million in 2018 from Schalke, but has only displayed glimpses of his quality. He has been utilised as a squad player.
Kehrer provides some versatility, though. He can play as a right-back and a centre-back, and is a useful option on the bench. The Germany international was linked with a move away from Paris this summer. A few Bundesliga clubs were suggested as potential destinations.
Centre-back - Marquinhos
Marquinhos started the game against Clermont Foot, and will be one of the first names on the teamsheet against Club Brugge.
Marquinhos is the best defender at the club. One of the best centre-backs in the world, he is also the captain of Paris Saint-Germain. Many fans are eagerly waiting to see the 27-year-old play alongside a genuine superstar like Sergio Ramos.
Marquinhos is physically gifted and comfortable on the ball. The 27-year old is an undroppable first-team member, and can be utilised as a defensive midfielder if needed. The Brazil international is one of the most important players at Paris Saint-Germain.
Left-back - Nuno Mendes
Nuno Mendes made his first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain against Clermont Foot.
Mendes is regarded as one of the best young left-backs in the world. The 19-year-old was signed by PSG on an initial loan deal from Sporting CP. There is a very good chance that the deal will be made permanent very soon by his current club.
Mendes addresses a problematic position for PSG. Juan Bernat and Layvin Kurzawa have failed to impress in that position, while Abdou Diallo has been used as a makeshift left-back. The Portugal international has a very high ceiling.
Also Read: 5 players who deserve more game time in the 2021-22 Premier League season
Defensive midfielder - Danilo Pereira
Idrissa Gueye is not available, so Danilo Pereira looks set to take over defensive midfield duties against Club Brugge.
Pereira joined the club on an initial loan deal from Porto in 2020, and the move was made permanent the following year. The Portugal international is a physically dominant midfielder who specializes in the defensive aspect of the game.
Pereira can play as a centre-back if needed. The 30-year-old will provide the base for his more attack-minded teammates to go forward. Pereira is an experienced operator who has been a consistent presence for Portugal in recent years.
Central midfielder - Ander Herrera
Ander Herrera was the unlikely star for Paris Saint-Germain against Clermont Foot in the league.
Herrera scored two first-half goals to help his team win the game. The Spain international is not renowned for his goalscoring prowess. Rather, he made his name at Manchester United as an energetic midfielder who did not shy away from the physical aspect of the game.
Herrera's goalscoring form is unlikely to continue. The 32-year-old is not without his uses, though. A technically gifted player, Herrera will provide dynamism and bite to Paris Saint-Germain's midfield.
Central midfielder - Georginio Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum was an unused substitute against Clermont Foot. Therefore it is likely that he will start against Club Brugge.
Wijnaldum was the big midfield signing for Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The Netherlands international turned down Barcelona in order to move to Paris after his Liverpool contract expired. Wijnaldum was an integral part of the Liverpool side which won the Premier League and the Champions League under Jurgen Klopp.
The 30-year-old is a hard-working player who excels with his off-the-ball contributions. Wijnaldum is a regular goalscorer for his country, although his role at Liverpool was more reserved.
Also Read: 5 best English players in football right now (2021)
Right-winger - Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi looks set to start against Club Brugge for his new club, Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi is regarded as one of the best players to have played the game. The Argentine superstar moved to Paris Saint-Germain under controversial circumstances this summer after his contract with Barcelona expired.
Messi has so far made just one substitute appearance for Paris Saint-Germain. The 34-year-old is arguably still the best player in world football. His arrival makes Paris Saint-Germain favourites to win the Champions League.
Striker - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe was extremely close to leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer as Real Madrid persistently pursued him.
Mbappe looks likely to leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer next summer, once his contract expires. Real Madrid fans are eagerly looking forward to his arrival, with the France international keen to join the Spanish giants.
The 22-year-old is a genuine superstar of the game. One of the best players in the world, Mbappe has been scintillaing for club and country. The forward has started the season extremely well for Paris Saint-Germain despite the rumours.
Left-winger - Neymar
Ever since Lionel Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain, fans have been excited to see Messi, Neymar and Mbappe play together.
The trio are among the best players in the world. Neymar is one of the most recognizable athletes around. The Brazil international has been a talismanic presence for both club and country for some time, and his quality has never been in question.
Arguably the one player who can match Messi's natural ability, Neymar played an important role in ensuring his good friend joined the Parisien giants. The 29-year old looks set to start against Club Brugge.
Also Read: Manchester United's possible starting XI for Champions League encounter against Young Boys
