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#3 David Alaba (Real Madrid)
David Alaba has replaced Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid pretty well, having arrived from Bayern Munich on a free transfer. The Austrian can play various roles ranging from left-back to central attacking midfield. The versatile Austrian is largely deployed as a centre-back at Madrid in his debut season.
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While Ramos has barely taken the field for PSG, Alaba has been a regular under manager Carlo Ancelotti at Madrid. The 29-year-old has already accumulated 29 appearances for Los Blancos, including 20 in La Liga.
The technically gifted defender has also contributed in attack, bagging two goals and four assists. Given Alaba still has at least a few years at the top level, he seems to be a better transfer than the more accomplished Ramos.
#2 Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Gianluigi Donnarumma has made waves since making his AC Milan debut in 2015. The Italian goalkeeper was always seen as the successor to Gianluigi Buffon at international level. However, at club level, they have had pretty different experiences.
While Buffon won many Serie A titles, Donnarumma’s AC Milan struggled to qualify for the Champions League. That prompted the youngster to switch to a much more potent side like PSG. He was splendid during his last season with Milan, where the Rossoneri finished second.
Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Although his potential has been well known, he started making headlines only in 2021. The PSG shot-stopper was awarded the Best Player for his heroics in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.
#1 Lionel Messi (PSG)
Lionel Messi stunned the footballing fraternity when he parted ways with Barcelona last summer. The Argentine has been one of the best goalscorers during the last two decades. Moreover, he is renowned for his silky smooth dribbling and precise passing.
La Pulga was key in Argentina’s Copa America triumph in 2021. Despite being in his mid-30s, Messi is valued at €60 million. Acquiring a player of Messi’s ilk on a free transfer is akin to daylight robbery.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored five goals in as many Champions League outings for PSG this season. However, he has scored only once in 12 Ligue 1 games.
The Ligue 1 giants signed Messi, Donnarumma and Ramos to try and win their first-ever Champions League. The former Barcelona talisman will put his best foot forward to ensure that happens. PSG take on Real Madrid in the Round of 16 in three weeks time.
