The transfer window is closed, and Paris Saint-Germain’s squad is set. There have been more outgoing players than incoming, so what is the best starting lineup for Luis Enrique as they prepare to embark on another UEFA Champions League campaign?
Last season, PSG surprisingly reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, where they ultimately fell to Borussia Dortmund. Luis Enrique will have to try to at least equal that performance this season without Kylian Mbappé, who left on a free transfer to Real Madrid. Much like Headline Casinos, which factor in player feedback, the manager will have to rely on data and performances on the pitch to identify his ideal starting XI.
Let’s start with the goalkeeper position. Gianluigi Donnarumma may not be Luis Enrique’s ideal goalie due to his inability to play with the ball at his feet, but there’s no question the Italy international is arguably the best shot-blocker in world football.
PSG’s defense is the biggest question-mark heading into the season. We know what to expect from Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Lucas Hernández, but Willian Pacho is relatively untested in the Champions League. I expect the newcomer to play significant minutes alongside Marquinhos at center-back, and Hakimi and Mendes as the two full-backs. If Hernández can return from his serious knee injury, he may get the nod ahead of Pacho.
The midfield is the strength of PSG. Warren Zaïre-Emery is only 18 but is already a stalwart in the starting lineup. Vitinha is arguably PSG’s best player and will be one of the first names selected for the starting lineup. João Neves has impressed since arriving from Benfica this summer and has four assists in three matches. Those three will be the regular starters with Fabian Ruiz likely the first midfielder off the bench.
Then comes the attack, where PSG will have to replace 40+ goals from Mbappé. Bradley Barcola steps into the left-wing role and already has four goals in three matches. It’s unlikely he can continue this pace, but he’s making it easier to get over Mbappé. Gonçalo Ramos will be the starting striker for PSG, but he’s nursing an ankle injury, and Marco Asensio has filled in well in his absence. On the right wing is Ousmane Dembélé, who is arguably one of the most exciting players to watch. He needs to be a little more clinical in front of goal, but his creativity is unmatched. On the bench, Randal Kolo Muani can be an aerial threat when provided service, and newcomer Désiré Doué has as much potential and talent as any 19 year old in world football.
