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Paris Saint-Germain's team of the decade

Paris Saint-Germain has seen a lot of flux this decade
Paris Saint-Germain has seen a lot of flux this decade

Paris Saint-Germain represents, arguably the most drastic change any team has gone through over the last decade. At least in terms of positive transitions. 2010 to 2020 has seen them grow from relative nothings to giants in footballing terms similar to Chelsea's boom in the last decade after Roman Abramovich took over.

They have dominated the domestic circuit and chased the European dream for the best part of the decade. However, success in Europe eludes them at the moment. The farthest they have gotten so far was back in 2015-16 when they scored against Chelsea in the last moments of the Round of 16 to make it to the quarter-finals.

Regardless of their inability to perform in the latter stages of the Champions League, they have put together teams of immense calibre over the course of the last ten years. It means that many names you expect to make it will miss out, but there are good reasons for those picked to be on this list.


Defence

Goalkeeper: Salvatore Sirigu

Sirigu may have been expected to leave for a big name but his performances keep him at Parc Des Princes
Sirigu may have been expected to leave for a big name but his performances keep him at Parc Des Princes

Signed in 2011, Salvatore Sirigu may not be cult figure across Europe but he will be special to the PSG faithful. He was a regular for four seasons before being displaced by Kevin Trapp in his fifth and deciding to move away from Paris. He was the custodian at the beginning when PSG made their own first set of "galactico" signings, bringing in a wave of talent. Yet Sirigu remained firm in goal for longer than was expected and he made a reputation for himself.

Right-Back: Thomas Meunier

Thomas Meunier has made the right-back spot his own
Thomas Meunier has made the right-back spot his own

Christophe Jallet and Dani Alves come to mind, but without a doubt, the one that brought the most to this role over the course of the last 10 years is the Belgian Thomas Meunier. He took over from Jallet and imposed himself as a regular in the team. While Alves' arrival did displace him for a short period he came back stronger than ever and is today one of the strongest players in the modern-look PSG.

Centre-Back: Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva is a conductor of the defensive line
Thiago Silva is a conductor of the defensive line

Among the cream of European defenders, Thiago Silva is as complete as it gets in the centre-back position. The Brazilian has spent the best part of this decade starting regularly at the back for Paris Saint-Germain and impressing consistently. He's had to play alongside different prospects young and old but he's remained a level above almost all of his defensive partners. The accolades have come at club level for Silva in terms of trophies, and he's been recognised at an individual level as one of the best in the world.

Centre-Back: Marquinhos

There is a strong Brazilian contingent at Paris Saint-Germain and Marquinhos is perhaps the most critical
There is a strong Brazilian contingent at Paris Saint-Germain and Marquinhos is perhaps the most critical

The heir apparent to Thiago Silva is his versatile compatriot. Marquinhos has played different roles across the defensive line and now sometimes functions in midfield as well. By and large, he tucks in alongside Silva and provides a very mobile option carrying the ball out from defence often showing sensible movement to drop back when he needs to while also contributing in attack. He's proving to be a leader ripe to take over when the 35-year-old Thiago Silva decides to leave or call it quits.

Left-Back: Maxwell

Maxwell's skills ranged from solid full-back to marauding attacker
Maxwell's skills ranged from solid full-back to marauding attacker

So entrenched in the PSG ecosystem that Maxwell, having retired, is now the sporting director at the club. The Brazilian arrived from Barcelona as a January transfer and slotted right in. He provided a dynamism on the left to match varied attackers who have graced the same flank over the years. He has the range of skills to make it in the final third in his own half as well as attacking the opposition.

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