Picking a Combined PSG-Barcelona XI

As Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain prepare to face off in Champions League group play, fans are already hard at work predicting how the clash will play out. Many believe the Catalans hold the upper hand, but the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic can never be counted out.

Looking at these two clubs, it is clear that there is a ton of talent all around. That being the case, we decided to look at what a combined Barcelona-PSG team would actually look like.

In this article, we detail who would make lineup would look like using the common 4-3-3 formation. There are only so many spots available, so some stars will be left out.

As always, feel free to get involved in the discussion in the comment section and let us know what your combined XI would look like.

Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo

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A quick look at the 'keeper position shows that there is a selection dilemma here. Barcelona has two capable shot-stoppers in Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while PSG’s Salvatore Sirigu is also immensely talented.

With Ter Stegen still finding his footing at Barcelona, the choice comes down to the two veterans of Barcelona and PSG.

In the end, Bravo gets the nod due to the fact that he has proven himself at the highest level and showed that he is one of the best around at this summer’s World Cup.

Sirigu has struggled at times since joining PSG, but you really can’t go wrong with either 'keeper in this scenario.

Right-Back: Dani Alves

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With the right-backs available between these two European giants, there is only one choice for the starting role. Brazilian Dani Alves has been one of the best around at his position for the last few years and PSG’s Gregory van der Wiel cannot compare.

Both Alves and Van der Wiel are similar in the fact that they like to get forward and join the attack. Neither are the most capable of defenders, but Alves is clearly the stronger of the two in every aspect of the game.

At 31 years old, Alves is past his prime. However, the Brazilian continues to be a key component of Barcelona's strategy and would fit perfectly into this combined team.

Center Back: Thiago Silva

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Without a doubt, PSG’s Thiago Silva the strongest center back of everyone in available for selection in this combined squad. The Brazilian is arguably the very best at his position in the world and would easily be chosen as the captain of the defense.

Silva’s leadership ability is unquestionable, as are his world-class defensive strengths. Not only can he read the game better than most defenders, he can also pass the ball very well and is great in the air.

No matter what team he has played for, Thiago Silva has always been a star. In this combined lineup, he would play a huge role and would be the face of the back line.

Center Back: Jeremy Mathieu

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Already loved at Camp Nou, Jeremy Mathieu is quickly proving that he has the ability to star for a big club like Barcelona. The French center back fits nicely into Luis Enrique’s style of play and brings a lot to the table in this combined team.

Mathieu is one of the fastest defenders around, but he is also able of making some miraculous tackles. His passing game, refined during his days as a left-back, is something to behold, making him the complete package.

Mathieu and Thiago Silva would form a dominant pairing in defense. The two 30-year-olds possess the experience needed to play against the best and would make this combined lineup defensively stable.

Left-Back: Jordi Alba

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Jordi Alba is the standout left-back among these two squads. The Masia product is extremely fast and a constant danger when streaking down the left flank, but he can also produce a solid defensive showing when needed.

Though there is still has plenty of room to improve his defensive ability, he is a player who fans can’t help but be excited about when the ball is at his feet.

PSG’s Maxwell used to play for Barcelona, though his talent was not up to the standards expected during his time at Camp Nou. However, the French club does have an exciting prospect in Lucas Digne. The 21-year-old is showing signs of brilliance, but he still has a long way to go to reach his potential.

Defensive Midfield: Sergio Busquets

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There isn’t much to say about this one, and nobody should be surprised that Sergio Busquets is handed the single-pivot role. The Barcelona midfielder is arguably the very best in the world at his position and is head and shoulders above anyone else eligible to qualify for this combined team.

Busquets is a master at reading the game in the middle of the pitch and has excellent positioning. He can play wonderful defense just by moving into the right spots on the pitch, and his passing game also helps the Blaugrana keep possession for long stretches of games.

It seems almost unbelievable that Busquets is still only 26 years old, but he is. It feels like he has been around forever, but its just because he has been that good since he was just a teenager.

Attacking Midfield: Andres Iniesta

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Already considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Andres Iniesta deserves to be named in any combined lineup that includes Barcelona players.

The 30-year-old is always capable of pulling defenders out of position and constantly dances through opponents with ease. No matter how many players mark him, Iniesta rarely loses possession and always seems to be able to keep the ball at his feet.

His familiarity with Busquets would also give this combined team excellent strength in the midfield, as well as allowing Iniesta the freedom to dictate play behind the deadly forwards PSG and Barcelona have to offer.

Attacking Midfield: Lionel Messi

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Though Lionel Messi is an incredible forward and one of the best players to ever kick a football, in this combined lineup he would provide the most danger playing in behind the strikers.

Messi and Iniesta would provide a wonderful tandem at the top of midfield, as both are always willing to drop deep to get the ball and are at their best when running at defenders. His ability to dictate play would also give the strikers plenty of assistance, though Messi could certainly find scoring chances of his own.

Eventually, it looks like Messi will move into more of a midfield role. In this combined team, he would be the focal point of everything and be the most dangerous player on this pitch—as he always is.

Winger: Neymar

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Neymar has finally found his rhythm in the Barcelona system and has shown fans that he is truly a world-class winger who can do it all. The Brazilian can score amazing goals and is always willing to use his dribbling ability to create chances.

At 22 years of age, Neymar is still improving as a player, which is a scary thought. He is only going to get better with age, but he is already one of the best wingers in Europe.

In this combined lineup, Neymar offers far too much to be left out. Able to drift inside of the attack and create space on the wing, the Brazilian would cause major headaches for opponents.

Winger: Luis Suarez

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Luis Suarez’s ban has kept him from officially wearing the Blaugrana shirt in a competitive game, but there is no denying his talent. Arguably the best striker in England over the last two years, Suarez is a deadly as they come and has to be named in this lineup.

While it is true that Suarez is much better as a center forward, this combined lineup needs him out wide to accommodate other players, but that doesn’t mean he would be ineffective.

Whether it be scoring wonder goals or heading in crosses, Suarez can find the back of the net in every way imaginable. Easily one of the most feared attackers in the game, Suarez has to be named in this team, and he would certainly be a welcome addition.

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

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How could any combined team not include Zlatan Ibrahimovic? The Swedish stallion is one of the most entertaining personalities in football—and even more exciting when he's on the pitch.

At 32 years old, Ibrahimovic is aging like a fine wine. He has the ability to score rockets from well outside the box and net backheel goals from only a few yards out. He is a menace with the ball and one of the most difficult players to mark due to his height and talent.

Ibrahimovic does have a history with Barcelona and is familiar with Lionel Messi and company. While his time at the Catalan club was short, he did play very well at Camp Nou.

Just imagining Ibrahimovic linking up with Luis Suarez, Neymar and Messi should bring chills. Could all four work in one lineup? There is no way of truly telling if they could, but it would definitely be exciting to watch.

What does your combined Barcelona and PSG team look like? Who would captain this incredible squad? Leave your thoughts and comments below.