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Author: Ryan Ohanlon
Published: May 30, 2025, 5 AM
As we head into Saturday’s Champions League final, there’s a clear disparity in ball possession between the two clubs: Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) typically boasts more control than Inter Milan. This season, PSG averaged 60.1% possession over 16 matches, while Inter managed only 47%, ranking below 22 of the 36 teams in the League Phase.
However, possessing the ball alone doesn’t guarantee victory—just look at Manchester City. Ownership doesn’t always translate to better scoring opportunities. Current odds on ESPN BET favor PSG for their first European Cup, with a 60% chance against Inter’s 40%. This aligns closely with the 2022 final, where Liverpool was favored over Real Madrid.
Historically, groups like Madrid have triumphed by leaning on stellar performances from key players, which is likely to be the case this Saturday as PSG seeks ball control while Inter plays on the counterattack, with the outcome hinging on individual brilliance.
In anticipation of the final, let’s evaluate the top 30 players whose performances could determine the Champions League champion.
Earlier this March, I declared Ousmane Dembélé the best player in the world at that moment. Whether he maintains that title throughout the season remains unclear, but he has certainly been the standout player among both teams.
Dembélé excels with both feet, is a brilliant passer and dribbler, and a decent finisher with smart off-the-ball movements. Moreover, under coach Luis Enrique, his pressing has also improved significantly—qualities that are unmatched.
Lautaro Martínez had a quieter season in Serie A with only 12 goals, meaning Inter missed out on capitalizing on that for a consecutive league title. Historically, he has outperformed his expected goal tally, but this season has seen a dip, with 1.5 fewer goals than projected. His elite skill lies in his ability to be in the right place at crucial moments.
To assess a player’s value, I combine traditional and advanced statistics. Metrics like expected goals (XG) help predict future performance, but immediate challenges—bringing the ball into the net—are often more telling. Other stats quantify how actions impact scoring chances, providing insight into the value players contribute both directly and indirectly. This season, only four players from either team, including Achraf Hakimi, were as consistently lauded.
PSG’s transformation into a formidable force coincided with the rise of high-impact attacking wingers. They acquired Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli for a reasonable €70 million, a figure that, considering his talent, should have drawn bids from clubs across Europe.
Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni stands out as an elite defender, ranking in the top percentiles for progressive passing and assists within the Big Five European leagues. Unlike many center-backs who primarily defend, Bastoni enjoys the freedom to dictate play while ensuring defensive integrity during Inter’s possession phases, consistently elevating Inter’s scoring chances.
This season, Paris Saint-Germain transformed into a dominant pressing unit under coach Luis Enrique. Their aggressive style mirrors Barcelona’s tactics, yet remains less vulnerable to counter-attacks. With an impressive work ethic, Joao Neves has stood out, earning a reputation for his relentless performance.
In preparation for the final, both teams possess unique strengths that can tip the balance in their favor. The partnership of Lautaro and Thuram serves as a classic forward combination, providing PSG the flexibility to switch up their front three as needed.
As we gear up for this critical match, the midfield battle could prove pivotal. PSG’s lineup averages significantly younger than Inter’s, a fact that may underscore their potential for high-intensity play throughout the match.
Editorial Opinion
This Champions League final not only showcases some of the best talents in football but also highlights the evolving dynamics of club strategies and player roles. Fans should watch closely as this matchup could redefine approaches in the sport, influencing how teams engage in both possession and pressing tactics moving forward.
