PSG v Bayern Munich Combined XI: How do Neymar, Mbappe & Lewandowski fit in?
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The 2020 Champions League final is nearing kick-off as PSG and Bayern Munich lock horns this Sunday.
Whether you reckon it will be the Parisian’s day in the sun or you fancy Bayern to bag their third title in the Champions League era – for the purist it could be a night to remember with the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski on show.
We’ve realised we can’t omit any of this attacking talent for ‘balance’ purposes. It’ll just be about outscoring the opposition, much like what it could be come Sunday night.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
Keylor Navas is a criminally underrated ‘keeper, but Mr Safe Hands, Manuel Neuer has been doing it for donkey’s years.
The German World Cup winner was looking shaky a few years ago but has returned to his best form over the last 12 months and could end it with the league and UCL double!
Left Back: Alphonso Davies
Former Bayern man Juan Bernat is due a shout, but the Bavarians’ current left-back Alphonso Davies is scary good.
Thomas Muller calls him the roadrunner but at just 19-years-old he’s already so much more than that.
His speed is just one asset, while his assist against Barcelona combined quick thinking with the nous of a player growing with experience.
Centre Back: David Alaba
There will be a plethora of great defenders on the pitch this weekend, but someone of David Alaba’s talent has got to be included.
His versatility helps illustrate his longevity at the top level, whether it’s full back, centre back or central midfield, Alaba makes the team!
Centre Back: Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva is a model of consistency, and despite Presnel Kimpembe’s form, is still PSG’s best defender.
It will be his final game for the club though, so will hope to put in another of his monster performances to end with a Champions League medal to his name.
Thiago, it’s on you now.
Right Back: Benjamin Pavard
It was a straight shoot-out between two Bayern boys Joshua Kimmich and Benjamin Pavard here.
Pavard just edges it as he’s the more natural defender, but that takes nothing away from how vital Kimmich is to Hansi Flick’s system.
Pavard has grown into the right-back role since announcing himself at the 2018 World Cup and could come back into the side for the final.
Whatever happens this weekend, Bayern look a sure-thing and that’s got a lot to do with their defence.
Centre Mid: Thiago Alcantara
If reports are to be believed Thiago may not be in a Bayern shirt for much longer, but he’s become one of the best and crucially calmest midfielders in the game.
The former Barca man provides a coolness and air of authority in the centre of the park that is so sought-after.
Fancy Bayern to win it on Sunday? Thiago will be a key part of that, keeping the game ticking and spraying his pin-point passes.
Centre Mid: Marco Verratti
Who better to join Thiago in the middle than Marco Verratti? His return from injury is a huge boost to PSG and means he can slot seamlessly into our eleven.
If you want midfield dominance, then Verratti at his best gives you just that. Composure combined with bite has meant the Italian is picked out as one of the best in his position year in, year out.
Attacking Mid: Neymar Jr
Any other given day Bayern’s Leon Goretzka is getting the call up in the attacking midfield role. But not when you’ve got Neymar to choose from.
Despite not getting on the scoresheet, the Brazilian has exuded flair and flamboyance in these latter stages of the competition.
He left Barcelona to prove he could do it as the main man away from shadow of Lionel Messi. He’s just one game away from doing just that.
Left winger: Kylian Mbappe
Ligue 1 complete. World Cup complete. Champions League pending. Mbappe is just one game from bagging the holy trinity.
He came on and changed the game against Atalanta, but he’s been doing that since the age of 17. While Bayern’s collectiveness could win them the game. Mbappe could do it on his own for PSG.
Right winger: Serge Gnabry
Bayern Munich’s Player of the Year in 2018-19. Gnabry has levelled up again this season. He’s added a ruthless taste for goals and directness to his fleet-footedness. It’s like Sadio Mane’s transformation under Jurgen Klopp.
While all the pre-match talk will be about Mbappe, Neymar and Lewandowski. It’s testament to the 25-year-old that he’ll be in that conversation too.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski
The goal-getter or ‘torjager’ as they say in Germany. Lewandowski is always sniffing out half a chance to hit the net bagging over 25 league goals in four of the last five seasons.
For some he’s the ultimate striker. Hold up play, physical but an eye for goal that is hard to beat.
Lewandowski is our number nine.
Happy with that, missed someone or have we had an absolute howler? Tweet us @Ladbrokes to have your say.
