Picking a Combined Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain XI
Picking a combined Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain team is trickier than it sounds—especially if you want to make it a workable and cohesive unit.
Both sides are full of star quality, and therefore, one or two casualties are inevitable when choosing the final XI.
This team has strong defensive abilities, craft in midfield and goals galore from the strikers.
Let's see if you agree with the selections...
Goalkeeper: Claudio Bravo
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There was never any doubt that Claudio Bravo would be selected as goalkeeper for this side.
His seven successive clean sheets at the beginning of the La Liga season set a new record, and as we head into mid-December, the Chilean's excellence between the posts has ensured that Barca have far and away the best defensive record in the Spanish top flight.
Despite being nine years older than Barca's other summer keeper signing, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, there's never been a question mark over Bravo being first choice.
Brave, decisive and as good with his feet as his hands, the worries that the Barca faithful may have had at losing Victor Valdes have long since disappeared.
Right-Back: Serge Aurier
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What a player PSG have in Serge Aurier.
Zarif Rasul of the Daily Mirror noted in March that Arsenal were interested in taking the player from Toulouse, but Arsene Wenger missed the boat.
The Gunners' loss is very definitely the French side's gain; Aurier has been one of the outstanding performers of their unbeaten season so far.
Superb going forward and a rock defensively, Aurier's versatility is what elevates him above his challenger for this position, Dani Alves.
B/R resident scouting expert Allan Jiang notes in greater detail exactly what the youngster brings to the party.
Left-Back: Jordi Alba
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Although his defending at times can leave a lot to be desired, there aren't too many full-backs with the engine and turn of pace that Jordi Alba possesses.
In this attack-minded XI, Alba's well-timed forays into the attacking third give the front players a supplementary presence in the left channel if needed.
With an 87.5 percent pass accuracy, Alba ensures ball retention as a matter of course, and should possession be given up, his pace gets him out of trouble.
Centre-Back 1: Thiago Silva
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The captain of PSG has to be captain of this combined XI.
Thiago Silva's skill set is a mixture of old-school grit and modern-day athleticism.
The more industrial side of the game has never been a problem for the Brazilian. A warrior that will go to the trenches in every game if needed.
Row Z required? Silva will happily go back to basics.
What sets him apart from his contemporaries is how at ease he is with a more modern style of defending.
Quick, strong and calm on the ball, Silva can rightly lay claim to being the premier centre-back in European football.
Centre-Back 2: Marc Bartra
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It's taken a few seasons of education, but right about now, Marc Bartra is coming into his own.
As more experienced colleagues such as Gerard Pique begin to stutter and perhaps dwell on past glories, it's time for the youngster to make the step up into the big time.
A great foil for Silva, Bartra possesses many of the same qualities as his colleague in this team.
All he lacks at this point is games under his belt, but he has proved to be more than able when called upon.
Think of the 2013 Copa del Rey final or this season's Champions League fixture in Amsterdam as examples.
Defensive Midfielder: Blaise Matuidi
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Sergio Busquets and Javier Mascherano have genuine claims to be in the side in this position. Picking Blaise Matuidi ahead of either was probably the toughest decision to make.
Where he wins out over Barca's finest is his immense physical presence and ability to drive his side forward with lung-bursting runs from deep.
Matuidi really does have it all.
While manager of PSG, Carlo Ancelotti told L'Equipe (via Ian Holyman of ESPN FC):
"It's difficult for him to improve as he's already very, very good. In Europe, he's a player at a very, very high level, very aggressive in getting the ball back. In comparison to Sergio Busquets, for example, he's capable of putting more intensity into his game.
He doesn't have the experience of the Barcelona player, he hasn't had as many games at a very high level. The games against Barcelona in the Champions League and France v Spain are made for him, I'm convinced of that.
It's just a question of time before he becomes the best player in his position. I love his character, and I know he'll never change. He's very modest.
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As indispensable as Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Matuidi is the complete player in so many respects.
Attacking Midfielder 1: Andres Iniesta
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El Ilusionista or The Magician, if you prefer. Such a description is a perfect fit for Andres Iniesta.
How he keeps the ball tied to his feet in the tightest of situations is magic indeed.
He is one of a few players in world football capable of fulfilling a variety of roles with the same degree of aplomb.
Perhaps he could do with a few more strikes in the goals for column, but it's a minor irritant when taken as part of the whole package.
Loved by colleagues, opponents and fans alike, it's scandalous that this player has never won the Ballon d'Or.
Attacking Midfielder 2: Neymar
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What a fantastic second season Neymar is enjoying in Barcelona.
After a tricky, injury-prone start to his career in Catalonia, the Brazilian has come good, and his partnership with Lionel Messi in particular is beginning to bear fruit.
The world watched and waited after he was carried out of the World Cup with a back injury, with media awash with question marks as to how well Neymar would come back after such a blow.
For club and country, he has answered the question in the best possible way.
More direct, incisive and potent in front of goal, Neymar already has 13 goals and three assists, surpassing his entire total for last season, and we aren't even at the halfway point in this one yet.
No. 10 Role: Lionel Messi
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To allow for two first-class strikers, Lionel Messi will utilise the No. 10 role that he plays so well for Argentina.
Will there ever be another player to grace the world stage in the way that Messi has and will no doubt continue to do for many more seasons to come?
His 17 goals and nine assists already is a fantastic return but no more than we expect from a player that continues to set the bar in all respects as to what is possible on a football pitch.
A free role in this combined XI suits both him and the team nicely.
Striker 1: Edinson Cavani
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A proper old-school centre forward, Edinson Cavani might have model good looks, but he's as rough as they come on a football pitch—all within the laws of the game, of course.
As a defender, you know you've been in a battle when you've been up against the Uruguayan. If nothing else, he'll make you earn your keep.
With physical presence, venomous power in his shot and excellent heading ability, Cavani is exactly the kind of targetman you want in the side.
He's adept at holding up the ball and bringing others into play, much like the final member of this team.
Striker 2: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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To Zlatan—or as the Swedish Language Council put it, "Zlatanera." It's roughly translated as "to dominate," per Reuters (via Philip O'Connor of The Independent).
How can any combined Barca and PSG XI be complete without Mr. Ibrahimovic.
In this particular formation, the Swede can indeed play with Lionel Messi, the latter perhaps acceding goalscoring duties to the former.
With many of the same attributes as club-mate Cavani, Ibra's presence in the front line would be sure to unsettle even the meanest defences.
His inclusion in the final XI allows oneself to dream the impossible dream.
What a team!
Stats via WhoScored.com unless otherwise noted.
