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Right-back: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard makes a strong case too but he simply hasn't been up to snuff since last season. So the place goes to his Barcelona counterpart, who's started the new campaign on a bright note.
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A renowned utility man at the club, Roberto has already scored more goals in La Liga (2) than he's ever managed before. He's also chipped in with an assist, as he's looked rejuvenated and will be a big test for Bayern too.
Centre-back: Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)
Dayot Upamecano has long been the toast of the Bundesliga, winning numerous plaudits for his top-notch performances in the RB Leipzig defense.
Bayern Munich came calling for the services of the 22-year-old and he's made a fairly good impression so far.
Strong on the ball with a hulking figure that can be intimidating for even the most prolific attackers, Upamecano is positionally sound and a set-piece threat too.
His defensive nous will be crucial in keeping Barcelona's new-look attack at bay.
Centre-back: Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
A club legend, Gerard Pique is now in his 13th season at Barcelona and has come up against Bayern Munich on numerous occasions during this period.
He's won on a few occasions and lost on a few occasions. And just like some other Blaugrana stars on this list, he won't recollect his last meeting with the Bavarians fondly.
Pique, an uber-reliable defender, was all at sea and looked completely lost. However, he recovered from that horror with more assured performances last season.
Now 34, he remains as valuable to the club as ever. His wealth of experience and big-game pedigree will be crucial in coming up trumps against the in-form Bavarians.
Left-back: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
There's been a renaissance of talented young players from North America lately. Among the best is Alphonso Davies, the Canadian road-runner with electric speed.
But that isn't his only attribute. The left-back is incredibly skilled, possesses supreme ball-control, dribbles adroitely and lays top-notch crosses.
While his form took a nosedive last season, Davies remains an exceptional prospect. He is capable of delivering in big moments like he did during their treble-winning season of 2019/20.
He ran the rings around Barcelona during their historic meeting last year, even registering an assist. Davies will be hoping for more of the same as the left-back seems to be getting back into the groove this season.
