Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal clash on Saturday evening in what might be the most closely contested UEFA Champions League final in recent years. Get French Football News has put together a combined eleven ahead of the highly anticipated encounter.
Given the internal battle and inconsistencies in the goalkeeping at the Parc des Princes this season, picking a goalkeeper was perhaps the easiest decision. David Raya has cemented himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and that form proved crucial this season as the Gunners won that elusive Premier League title.
Hakimi gets the nod over Timber here. It’s no secret that the Moroccan international defender is one of the best full-backs in world football. As far as the modern-day full-back goes, not many have the same athleticism and attacking prowess as the PSG defender. Timber is solid defensively and possession-wise, but Hakimi’s overall game gives him the edge.
In what was arguably the hardest call to make, Saliba edges out Pacho by a close shave. Pacho has emerged as one of the most consistent defensive performers in Europe this season, with perhaps his best performances coming in the UEFA Champions League. However, it’s hard to look past Saliba given his influence on one of the most efficient defensive units on the continent.
Gabriel has been pivotal to Arsenal’s successes this season. The Brazilian international’s presence in both boxes and threat from set pieces has seen him enter the conversation for Europe’s best centre-back. Marquinhos has impressed in this competition, but it’s hard to put together a case for him being ahead of his compatriot.
There is no doubt that Nuno Mendes is one of, if not the, most complete left-backs in world football. The Portuguese international defender’s recovery pace, ability to get up and down the flank and contribute in attacking areas has seen him handle some of Europe’s most dangerous forwards effectively.
The England international offers control and intensity to Mikel Arteta’s midfield. Rice’s ability to combine defensive intelligence, control possession and create chances, especially from set pieces, has seen him become the most vital cog for the Premier League champions in the middle of the park.
Vitinha is the midfield metronome of Luis Enrique at PSG. He dictates tempo with remarkable composure, escapes pressure with ease, and progresses play with silk and swagger. It would be hard to argue that one of the most effective and eye-catching players in Europe didn’t deserve a place in this team.
Neves has cemented himself as one of the most complete young midfielders in football since he arrived in the French capital. The PSG midfielder brings relentless energy, aggression out of possession and technical security on the ball. Martin Ødegaard offers greater creativity in the final third, but Neves’ intensity and all-action profile give him the edge in a midfield built for control and balance.
The right flank was another closely contested battle. Saka’s injury struggles and early-season form present a compelling argument for Désiré Doué. However, the English forward’s end to the season, and elite level to influence things when at his best, sees him get the nod.
You can’t argue against a Ballon d’Or winner. He has had injury struggles this season, but throughout this competition, he has shown his ability to find the back of the net and cast his influence on the game like no one else. Dembélé feels like a shoo-in through the middle, given the lack of options at Arsenal.
The Georgian international has arguably been Les Parisiens’ most crucial player on their run to a second successive final. In the knockouts, Kvaratskhelia has contributed with a goal or an assist at every stage and struck fear into the opposition’s full-back with his quick feet. He stands clear as the best left-winger in European football.
