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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are now beginning to look ominous. Their win against Manchester City in the Champions League was evidence of their quality and threat.
They are overwhelming favourites to win the Ligue 1 title, and are among the favourites to win the Champions League as well. PSG boast an abundance of options at every position, and have the best squad in Europe right now.
On that note, here's a look at PSG's possible starting XI for their Ligue 1 game against Rennes.
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma
There were rumours a few days ago that Gianluigi Donnarumma was not happy with his limited minutes for PSG this season.
Donnarumma joined PSG on a free transfer this summer. A prodigious talent during his AC Milan days, the 22-year-old is considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the game. Donnarumma is competing with Keylor Navas for the no.1 spot at PSG.
The Italy international started for the Parisian giants against Manchester City, and kept a clean sheet. Having Navas and Donnarumma as goalkeeping options is certainly a luxury for PSG. However, manager Mauricio Pochettino will have to be careful with how he uses his shot-stoppers, as both deserve to start.
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Right-back - Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi was sensational for PSG against Manchester City, once again displaying his world-class qualities.
Hakimi is one of the best right-backs in the game at the moment. He boasts an incredible CV despite only being 22. Hakimi has represented clubs like Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan. His talents caught the eye during his days with Borussia Dortmund, and at Inter Milan, where he played a pivotal role in their Serie A success last season.
The Morocco international is excellent offensively. Extremely fast and technically gifted, Hakimi is the complete package. He will likely be PSG's starting right-back for quite some time.
Centre-back - Marquinhos
Marquinhos is the captain of PSG, and one of the most underrated players in the game. He is undroppable when he is fully fit.
The Brazil international has been a consistent presence for both club and country for some time now. Marquinhos has impressed with his physicality, intelligence and leadership. He has been at PSG since 2013.
In recent seasons, the 27-year-old has been utilised as a defensive midfielder, where he has impressed. Nevertheless, it is difficult to imagine Marquinhos playing that role this season, considering PSGs plethora of midfield options.
Centre-back - Presnel Kimpembe
One of the few PSG academy graduates to have become a key first-team player, Presnel Kimpembe has impressed at the club.
Kimpembe made his PSG debut in 2014, and has slowly established himself as a key defensive cog for the team. It helps that the France international is left-footed. He has become PSG's preferred left-sided centre-backs, as a result.
Presnel Kimpembe is physically dominant, and has been praised for his leadership ability. PSG have sold quite a few talented academy youngsters in the past. But considering his quality and performances, PSG are unlikely to tread that route with Kimpembe.
Left-back - Nuno Mendes
Left-back was highlighted as an area of weakness for PSG this summer. Juan Bernat was recovering from a serious injury, Layvin Kurzawa was not of the requisite quality, and the club sold Mitchel Bakker.
As a result, Mauricio Pochettino often utilised centre-back Abdou Diallo as left-back. The club signed some high-profile names, so it is assumed they would target a left-back next summer.
However, they sprung a surprise during the dying embers of the transfer window acquiring Nuno Mendes on an initial loan deal. Mendes is regarded as one of the best young left-backs in the game at the moment.
The 19-year-old could sign a permanent deal for PSG next summer, considering his impact at the club. Mendes was excellent for Sporting CP last season, and is already a Portugal international.
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Defensive Midfielder - Idrissa Gueye
There were suggestions this summer that Idrissa Gueye would be sold by PSG, who sought to reduce their wage bill.
Gueye was one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League during his time with Everton. PSG will be glad they did not sell him this summer, with the Senegal international displaying excellent form so far. He opened the scoring against Manchester City a few days ago.
The 32-year-old is competing with Danilo Pereira and Leandro Paredes for PSG's defensive midfielder spot. Gueye is defensively astute, and extremely energetic, so Pochettino will be happy with his performances so far.
Central Midfielder - Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti was arguably the best player for PSG against Manchester City, highlighting his credentials as one of the best midfielders in the game at the moment.
City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Verratti after the game. The Italy international, like Marquinhos, has been with the Ligue 1 giants for quite some time now. Verratti joined PSG in 2012 from Pescara, and has blossomed into a world-class operator.
The 28-year-old is technically gifted, and provides bite to PSG's midfield. Verratti is regarded by many as a complete midfielder, capable of contributing to all phases of play.
Central Midfielder - Georginio Wijnaldum
Georgino WIjnaldum was a substitute against Manchester City, with Ander Herrera preferred ahead of him.
Wijnaldum may have joined PSG on a free transfer this summer, but his wages have provoked intense discussion. The Netherlands international courted interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich after his contract with Liverpool expired. But Wijnaldum moved to Paris, instead.
The 30-year-old is a good player, renowned for his industry and work ethic. For Liverpool, Wijnaldum played a more reserved role in midfield. For his country, he has scored consistently in recent years. So Pochettino's plans for Wijnaldum at PSG will be interesting to see.
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Right Winger - Lionel Messi
The wait is finally over, as Lionel Messi registered his first goal for PSG, scoring a beautiful goal against Manchester City.
Fans have been waiting for this moment for some time now. The Argentina international scored a typical Messi goal, displaying deft touches and quick feet resulting in a stunning strike. What was more pleasing to notice was Kylian Mbappe's role in that goal.
Messi is one of the greatest players to have played the game, and his quality makes PSG the favourites to win the Champions League. The 34-year-old will now be keen to break his Ligue 1 duck.
Striker - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe looks destined to join Real Madrid next summer, but the potential move has not affected his PSG performances.
Mbappe has started the season at his penetrative and dominant best. He has been PSG's best attacker so far. The France international looked set to move to Spain this summer, but a move failed to materialise. Real Madrid stand a good chance of acquiring one of the best players in world football on a free transfer.
The 22-year-old endured an abysmal Euro 2020 campaign this summer, but has bounced back strongly. Mbappe's link-up with Messi against Manchester City was extremely pleasing to witness.
Left Winger - Neymar
Neymar has been the quietest of PSG's frightening attack, but given his quality, he should start firing soon.
The Brazil international is the most expensive player in the world, having cost PSG nearly £200 million in 2017. His spell in Paris has polarised opinions, with Neymar displaying his talent but also missing key games due to various reasons.
The 29-year-old played a key role in ensuring that Messi moved to Paris. Neymar recently signed a new contract with PSG, with his contract extended till 2025.
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