Press review: PSG v Arsenal and Parisians in the world top tier | OneFootball

This Tuesday, May 26, the French press (from a sporting perspective) focused, on the Paris Saint-Germain side, on the 2025-2026 Champions League final this Saturday, May 30 against Arsenal. In that context, there is the difficult decision over Warren Zaïre-Emery’s place (20-year-old midfielder), a focus on the Gunners, and a ranking of the expected Parisian starters among the world’s best.

Le Parisien –

L’Equipe –

Matvey Safonov is the 10th-best goalkeeper in the world.

Achraf Hakimi is the No. 1 right-back.

Marquinhos is 6th among center-backs.

Willian Pacho is 1st, alongside Gabriel (Arsenal), among center-backs.

Nuno Mendes is No. 1 at left-back.

Vitinha is 3rd in the holding midfielder role (behind Kimmich and Caicedo).

João Neves and Fabian Ruiz are 5th and 8th respectively as central midfielders.

Désiré Doué is 4th as a right winger.

Ousmane Dembélé is No. 1 as a central forward.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is No. 1 as a left winger.

Arsenal have a great history and a major image around the world, which is only logical. And it is indeed with a duo that previously passed through Paris as players that the London club have returned to the top. Winning the Premier League again is a major moment. Following that up by winning the Champions League would be exceptional.

Even if there is criticism of their style of play, less spectacular than that of Bayern Munich or PSG, it has to be said that there is real merit in victory. There are many ways to play football, and everyone is entitled to their own ideas. In the end, what remains in history is titles. Beautiful football, of course, helps leave a stronger impression.

PSG fit this idea more closely, with a collective that is often impressive and built around players who are among the best in their positions. L’Equipe’s ranking is not unreasonable, and we are not going to get into an endless debate over every position.

But it underlines how difficult it will be for Zaïre-Emery to start in this final, even though he has had a very great season. The choice involving Ruiz is more a question of style. The Spaniard is more creative, while the French international is physically stronger. The doubt surrounding Hakimi could also allow Zaïre-Emery to start at right-back.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.