PSG-Inter Combined XI: Donnarumma or Sommer? Mendes or Dimarco? Vitinha or Çalhanoğlu? | OneFootball

Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan will meet in the UEFA Champions League final tonight, with a place in history on the line. Ahead of the game, Get French Football News decided to put together a combined XI, in celebration of what looks to be a well-poised final.

Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)

Gianluigi Donnarumma gets the nod over Yann Sommer. The Italian number one has completely changed the narrative surrounding him. His past mistakes in the Champions League fully exorcised, Donnarumma has become one of the most consistent players at Luis Enrique’s disposal.

Left-back – Federico Dimarco (Inter)

Frederico Dimarco wins this selection over Nuno Mendes. The Italian wing-back has been consistently performing at a level that should put him in the conversation for best left-wing back in world football. Perhaps a Champions League medal will help him gain the recognition he deserves.

Centre-back – Willian Pacho (PSG)

Willian Pacho has flown somewhat under the radar in this PSG side. The centre-back has been quietly impressive amidst a decline in form from his partner Marquinhos. And at 23 years old, the hope will be that he will only continue to grow.

Centre-back – Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)

Alessandro Bastoni has been the heartbeat of an Inter defence that had conceded only five goals before the free-scoring semi-final against Barcelona. PSG will be well aware of the difficult task they face with Bastoni in the backline.

Right-back – Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

Achraf Hakimi is finally living up to the promise that he showed all those years ago when he first emerged from the Real Madrid youth academy. He’s been a key performer for Luis Enrique over the past two seasons and has grown into a perfect two-way player.

Centre midfielder – Vitinha (PSG)

Vitinha has become indispensable for PSG under Luis Enrique. He’s the metronome and orchestrator in this fluid, amorphous midfield that has thrilled watchers far and wide. Not bad for a player who joined the club following a failed loan spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Centre midfielder – João Neves (PSG)

João Neves arrived in Paris with a big reputation as one of the most promising players in the world. He has already surpassed expectations. He’s silk on the ball and steel without it. Big debates are happening among PSG fans over who is the more important midfielder out of him and Vitinha.

Centre midfielder – Nicolò Barella (Inter)

This season, Nicolò Barella has been in the form of his career. The midfielder has demonstrated throughout Inter’s run to the final a skillset that makes him a suffocating presence off the ball and an artist with it.

Left wing – Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)

The only player on this list to win two league trophies this season. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a Ligue 1 and Serie A winner after he made the move from Napoli to PSG during the January transfer window. The Georgian international looks as if he has played all season under Luis Enrique, and he makes the PSG attack so much more dangerous.

Striker – Lautaro Martínez (Inter)

Despite being a World Cup winner, Lautaro Martínez is often overlooked in the conversations over the best striker in the world. He’s a huge presence for club and country, and Inter will be thrilled that the reports seemed hopeful that he would be starting tonight despite being forced off with an injury during the semi-final.

Right wing – Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

We had to squeeze Ousmane Dembélé into this team. The Frenchman is having a phenomenal season at PSG, and if he were to help the club win their first Champions League trophy, he would likely be the bookies’ favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.

GFFN | Nick Hartland