Paris St. Germain vs Bayern Munich: Combined XI of Champions League final
By Sachin Bhat
It’s the battle for the ‘treble’ as Paris St. Germain cross swords with Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League final in Lisbon on Sunday!
Ahead of the mouth-watering clash, here’s how the teams would line-up in a combined XI:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Injuries appeared to derail Neuer’s career while his reputation as the best ‘keeper in the world also came under threat. However, after recuperating, he’s slowly but steadily worked his way back and found his best form again this season. In the Champions League this season, the German veteran has five clean sheets so far, conceding only eight times and making 25 saves. His experience and big-game pedigree will be crucial in stopping the rampant PSG.
Right-back: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
Few players can claim to be as versatile as Joshua Kimmich, who excels in every position he’s asked to play in. This term, the 25-year old transformed into a formidable defensive midfielder but with the license to roam forward. So his offensive contributions remain as high as ever, having direct involvement in 13 goals overall. He was deployed as a right-back in the last game, assisting twice, and might start as one in the final too given PSG’s weaknesses down this flank on the break.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (PSG)
The Brazilian is set to leave PSG after the Champions League final as Chelsea move edges closer, and there won’t be a better way to bow out than by captaining the side to the title on Sunday. He turns 36 next month but continues to go strong, and has been at the heart of PSG’s amazing run in the competition – he averages over four clearances per game, 1.5 interceptions, and also has a 92% passing accuracy.
Centre-back: David Alaba (Bayern Munich)
Another club veteran, Alaba has been around for so long that it’s easy to forget he’s not even 30 yet. He is Bayern‘s ‘utility man’, having played across various positions in his career. This season, he’s been an excellent centre-back – solid and never out of position. Besides the own goal against Barcelona, the Austrian has maintained a clean defensive record while his ability from set-pieces remains strong as ever.
Left-back: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
With skills that would make Ronaldinho proud and an electrifying pace that would put The Road Runner to shame, twinkle-toed Alphonso Davies has been the toast of German football this season. The 19-year old has got himself involved in 12 goals overall, including the marvelous assist to Joshua Kimmich against Barcelona as he continues to amaze us no end. Davies possesses a skill set that thoroughly belies his age, and firing Bayern to European glory would be the perfect way to pull the curtains on his stellar debut year.
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