Who is Presnel Kimpembe? PSG defender handed start in crunch Champions League clash with Real Madrid

Unai Emery has placed his faith in the youngster at the Bernabeu

The 21-year-old defender starts at centre-back for PSG (AFP/Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain boss Unai Emery has given Presnel Kimpembe a surprise start against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.

In this crunch Champions League clash, Emery has benched Brazilian international Thiago Silva and instead gone with Kimpembe, a 22-year-old centre-back not known that widely outside his homeland.

It is a big gamble from the Spanish coach, who also picked Yuri over Layvin Kurzawa at left-back and gambled on Gio Lo Celso being robust enough to deal with Real Madrid's midfield.

Who is Presnel Kimpembe?

Kimpembe, 22, made his debut for PSG nearly four years ago now but only became a regular in the matchday squad last season.

The France Under-21 international now has nearly 50 first-team appearances under his belt for the Parisians, though many as a substitute.

What do they say about him?

William Gallas, formerly of Arsenal, Chelsea and others, has said that Kimpembe is the future of the France national team and considers him a stellar talent.

"I know many of people, in his place, would have left PSG," said Gallas.

"He stayed. And he has learned enormously alongside Marquinhos and Thiago Silva.

"Kimpembe is the future of Les Bleus. In two years I see him as an indisputable starter in the French team."

Where do his international allegiances lie?

Kimpembe has been called up to the French senior squad but is yet to make an appearance.

He was given the first call-up as an injury replacement for Eliaquim Mangala.

How much would he cost?

It is hard to say but PSG seem keen to keep him.

Indeed, they gave him a monster pay rise in 2016 when he signed a new £45,000 per week contract at the Parc des Princes.

Given his age and contract situation you'd expect him to cost upwards of £60m.