Paris Saint-Germain vs Bayern Munich: 5 players to watch out for | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

PSG have to be wary of the monster that is Robert Lewandowski
PSG have to be wary of the monster that is Robert Lewandowski

#3 Manuel Neuer - Bayern Munich

Neuer will have to be extremely alert against the likes of Neymar and Mbappe
Neuer will have to be extremely alert against the likes of Neymar and Mbappe

At 34 years of age, Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer has made it his responsibility to turn this season into an opportunity for him to redeem himself after many claimed that the legendary German goalkeeper's best days were behind him. Neuer has once again reminded everyone that he is far from done, and he remains one of Europe's finest in his position.

His performance against Lyon in the semi-final was reminiscent of those that he used to put up on a weekly basis for Bayern Munich in his prime. He didn't put a foot wrong all night and saved as many as three one-on-ones against Lyon's pacy forwards.

Against just about any other goalkeeper, Lyon's Karl Toko-Ekambi would've had at least a goal, if not a brace. But Bayern Munich's number 1 was not to be beaten, as he closed down the striker brilliantly on two instances. His positioning also helped Memphis Depay miss what seemed like a simple chance to put Lyon ahead.

As good as Bayern Munich are, their defense can certainly be breached. Neuer will need to have a monumental game to keep PSG's superstars at bay.


#2 Kylian Mbappe - Paris Saint Germain

It is mind-bending to think that Kylian Mbappe could possibly 'complete football' before his 22nd birthday. If he manages to help PSG to the Champions League title, he would have won a major league title, a major cup competition, the most prestigious European trophy, and most importantly the World Cup!

Mbappe is basically living a dream, and while the outcome of this final will have little impact on his future chances of winning it, he will certainly want to get done with it at the earliest. The Frenchman is one of the world's best players already at such a young age, so it is definitely not too early to expect him to lead his club to their first Champions League title.

Mbappe is the complete package. He can play anywhere in the front three, and can operate both as a direct goal threat, or a provider. His pace is perhaps too much for any defender to catch him (Alphonso Davies might have something to say about that) once he is at full steam. His quality on the ball is top-notch, and he can finish better than most players in the world.


#1 Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich

Olympique Lyonnais v Bayern Munich - UEFA Champions League Semi Final
Olympique Lyonnais v Bayern Munich - UEFA Champions League Semi Final

Robert Lewandowski needs a hat-trick to beat Cristiano Ronaldo's record of most goals in a Champions League campaign. The Pole is on 15, while Ronaldo's best-ever tally stands at 17. A hat-trick in a final might seem like a bit of a stretch, but if anyone can do the unthinkable right now, it is Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern Munich legend, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Friday, has arguably been the best player on the planet this season. His goal-scoring numbers are off the charts. For starters, it is an unbelievable achievement for Lewandowksi to even be in touching distance of the said record, considering the fact that the knockout ties are one legged instead of the usual two.

Lewandowski is at the heart of almost all of Bayern Munich's attacks, and the biggest challenge PSG will face is that of keeping the Polish number 9 quiet. If Thiago Silva and co. manage to withstand the Lewandowski storm, they'd have taken a huge step towards victory.

Also read: 5 future stars currently being groomed at Bayern Munich

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Edited by Ashwin
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