Champions League: Juventus’ potential round of 16 opponents – ranked

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Kylian Mbappe; Lionel Messi and Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain at Etihad Stadium on November 24, 2021 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Kylian Mbappe; Lionel Messi and Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain at Etihad Stadium on November 24, 2021 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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1. Paris Saint-Germain

PSG are not the juggernaut we thought they would be. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
PSG are not the juggernaut we thought they would be. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)

A superstar laden Paris Saint-Germain are not the unbeatable force many suspected they would be before the season got underway, but they’re certainly the team Juventus don’t want to face in the round of 16.

Mauricio Pochettino has failed to inculcate his distinct pressing ideals that worked so well in the Premier League and PSG have very rarely produced the dominant, controlling displays that their ridiculous talent suggests they’re capable of.

Manchester City’s brilliant collective saw them top Group A at Les Parisiens’ expense and unless Pochettino can implement a more cohesive and balanced system, PSG will struggle to advance deep into this competition.

Still, they’ll have enough to beat this Juventus side comfortably. Even if the Bianconeri are capable of producing the odd game of vintage grinta.