What would PSG's best 5-a-side team look like currently?

#3 Marco Verratti

Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Group C

PSG midfielder Marco Verratti looks like he is built to play 5-a-side football. The 5’ 7” regista has been able to hold his own in the middle of the park, often going up against physically gifted players.

Verratti started his PSG career as an attacking playmaker, but has since transformed into a more deep-lying midfielder.

The Italian drew comparisons with legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo, as their playing styles are very similar. The PSG no.6 has spent almost a decade in the French capital. While his selection in this hypothetical 5-a-side would be inevitable, it means one of PSG’s much-vaunted front three would miss out.

Nevertheless, Verratti merits his inclusion in PSG’s hypothetical 5-a-side team. His agility, dribbling and passing prowess would make for a deadly combination in the restricted playing area. The midfielder is also quite astute when it comes to winning the ball back and working hard for the team. That would help PSG immensely in a 5-a-side setup.

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#4 Lionel Messi

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester City: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Lionel Messi broke the internet when news emerged of his Barcelona departure a few months ago. Given their big pockets, PSG were one of the only clubs that could afford the Argentinian’s wages.

Messi duly arrived in Paris, where he was reunited with his old friend Neymar. However, he also has had to share the same dressing room with Sergio Ramos, with whom he shared a feisty rivalry during their time together in La Liga.

Nevertheless, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has achieved everything in club football. Argentina’s Copa America success this summer added another feather to his cap. The magician’s dribbling, finesse and agility have been the talk of the town since his early days at Barcelona.

It is scary even to fathom that Messi would be even more effective in a 5-a-side setup. He has all the ingredients required to flourish in a small area. One would easily imagine him sending defenders the wrong way time and again. It would be no surprise if arguably the best player of all time would strut his wares successfully in a 5-a-side field.

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#5 Neymar Jr

Manchester City vs Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

If there’s one player who would go toe-to-toe with Lionel Messi on a smaller field, it would have to be Neymar Jr.

The PSG winger is gifted with supreme dribbling ability, and is one of the best players of the current generation. He’s the sort of player who would skip past the same player repeatedly before scoring a backheel into an open net.

The 29-year-old and Messi would be the most feared duo in 5-a-side football. That is why PSG star Kylian Mbappe has to make do with a place on the bench in this hypothetical lineup. Mbappe is a great dribbler and player in his own right, but Messi and Neymar have far greater agility.

One reason why players like Eden Hazard, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele and Neymar haven’t quite reached their potential is their poor injury record. Messi has somehow managed to endure an almost injury-free career. Injuries won’t be a major concern in 5-a-side football. Hence, Neymar would likely showcase his skills more prominently.