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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) continue to attract attention, as their star-studded roster produces one victory after the other.
While the results have been positive, there have been questions raised about the cohesion of the side. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is under immense pressure to get things right this season, and one small mistake could end his stint in Paris.
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The Parisian giants will play RB Leipzig in their thrid group-stage game of the 2021-22 Champions League next. PSG are the favourites to win the Champions League this season, and produced a superb performance against Manchester City in their last outing.
On that note, here's a look at PSG's possible starting XI for their Champions League game against RB Leipzig.
Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Donnarumma
There have been debates about who should be PSG's starting goalkeeper. Both Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma deserve to start on a regular basis.
After rumours linking him with a move away from PSG surfaced recently, Donnarumma has received much more game time. The Italy international joined PSG on a free transfer this summer, after an excellent Euro 2020 campaign for his national team.
Donnarumma is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the game at the moment. Meanwhile, Navas has done little wrong since joining PSG, but Donnarumma is a big name who clearly has edged ahead of the Costa Rica international. The 22-year old looks like the present and the future of the club.
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Right-back - Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi was on the PSG bench against Angers a few days ago, with Colin Dagba starting as the right-back.
Nevertheless, Hakimi is one of the best right-backs in the game, and has enjoyed an excellent start to his PSG career. The 22-year-old has contributed both offensively and defensively, and has impressed with his creativity, technical quality and pace.
The Morocco international is clearly a superstar in the making. PSG have had issues at right-back in the past, with the likes of Thomas Meunier and Alessandro Florenzi failing to make an impact. Hakimi is a clear upgrade in that position, though.
Centre-back - Marquinhos
Marquinhos should return to the PSG starting XI against RB Leipzig. German centre-back Thilo Kehrer played in place of the Brazilian against Angers last weekend.
The Brazil international is well on his way to becoming a PSG legend. Since joining the club in 2013, Marquinhos has become a key member of the side, and has helped them become a force to be reckoned with.
The 27-year-old is the captain of PSG, and an undroppable member of the first XI. A complete defender, Marquinhos is capable of operating as a defensive midfielder if needed. He has done well in that position when called upon.
Centre-back - Presnel Kimpembe
One of the few PSG academy graduates to have made an impact for the senior side, Presnel Kimpembe has been a one-club man until now.
When Adrien Rabiot was at the club, he was often cited as an example of how PSG's academy stars could break into the first XI. Since Rabiot's departure to Juventus in 2019, Kimpembe has taken over, and has now become a first-team regular.
The France international is now an established starting centre-back for club, and has also become a key player for his country. Kimpembe started against Angers, and the 26-year-old is likely to given a start against RB Leipzig as well.
Left-back - Nuno Mendes
It was good to see Juan Bernat get some minutes against Angers, as the Spaniard returned to first-team football after a serious injury.
Abdou Diallo was the starting left-back against Angers, but Nuno Mendes could be preferred against RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old is regarded as a prodigious talent, with the potential to become one of the best left-backs in the game. Mendes was an unused substitute against Angers.
The Portugal international is technically gifted, and is already a regular for his country. Mendes has joined PSG on an initial loan deal from Sporting CP this summer, but it looks likely that PSG would trigger the buy option in his contract.
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Defensive Midfielder - Idrissa Gueye
Idrissa Gueye was linked with a move away from PSG this summer, as the club sought to reduce their wage bill.
The Senegal international remained at the club, though, and is now Pochettino's preferred defensive midfielder. Gueye has enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season, with his goal against Manchester City in the Champions League standing out.
Scoring goals is not his primary job, though. Gueye has done a good job of protecting the backline, and clearly has a lot left in him. The 32-year old is pivotal to PSG, as he provides balance.
Central Midfielder - Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti is comfortably one of the best midfielders in the game at the moment. He once again reminded the world of his qualities after producing a world-class performance against Manchester City.
Verratti is a complete midfielder, capable of making crunching tackles and providing intricate passes. The Italy international has had his issues with injuries recently, so if PSG are to succeed this season, a fit Verratti is necessary.
The 28-year-old was linked with a move away from PSG some years ago, as Barcelona sought to sign him. Now, he looks unlikely to leave the club, and like Marquinhos, is on his way to becoming a legendary figure for PSG.
Central Midfielder - Ander Herrera
The biggest compliment that can be paid to Ander Herrera is that he has managed to keep Georginio Wijnaldum out of the PSG first XI thus far.
The Netherlands international rejected moves to Bayern Munich and Barcelona to join PSG, but has found game time difficult to come by. Herrera's form is a key reason for that. The Spain international has been an unlikely source of goals for the club this season, and has already scored four so far across competitions.
Herrera is not the most gifted of players, but his commitment and hard work can be matched by few. The 32-year-old was another player linked with a move away this summer, but has shown his importance to PSG this season.
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Right Winger - Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi was not involved against Angers, but should start for PSG against RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Messi is yet to hit his brilliant best for PSG, although there have been glimpses of his quality at times. The Argentina international is one of the best players to have played the game, and should undoubtedly shine for his new club. So far though, he has been quiet.
The 34-year-old has scored one goal for PSG so far. Messi will be keen to display his qualities to the PSG faithful, who are eagerly waiting to see him do magical things with a football.
Striker - Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has been PSG's best forward this season, and has carried their attack incredibly well.
With both Lionel Messi and Neymar yet to hit full flow, Mbappe has shone. He is unlikely to be a PSG player for too long, though, but he is clearly motivated and focussed. The France international scored PSG's winner against Angers last weekend.
Mbappe looks set to join Real Madrid next summer when his PSG contract expires. The 22-year-old is one of the best players in world football, so it will be interesting to see how PSG replace him when he leaves.
Left Winger - Neymar
Neymar's recent comments created headlines, when he admitted that the 2022 FIFA World Cup would be his last.
Neymar is arguably the one player who can match Lionel Messi's talent, although questions have been raised about his dedication for PSG. One of the best players in world football, Neymar is a global superstar, but there have been times when he has looked disconnected from the game.
The Brazil international can single-handedly win games for PSG and country when he gets going. Like Messi, he has endured a slow start to the season, but should start mesmerising fans with his silky dribbling and quick feet soon.
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