For the second year in a row, it is a same-country affair in the Champions League final and the race for the coveted trophy looks tougher than ever.
While the finalists have certainly proved their mettle ahead of the grand finale, the other teams have been left to weep as they have encountered rather dreary exits from the tournament. Putting all those results aside, let us take a look at the best Champions League XI this season thus far. Let’s take a 4-3-3 formation as that is the most widely used even today. Understandably Spanish players dominate the line-up and few other Bayern players are involved.
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut courtois
The semifinal against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge should be testament to the quality of Thibaut Courtois. At 22 years of age, he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
His performances last year won him the best goalkeeper in the La Liga and I should say he has carried that over this year. He has been phenomenal for Atletico Madrid and is one of the primary reasons for their unbeaten record in the Champions League.
Philipp Lahm
Be it center midfield or right back or left back, this guy plays his role to perfection. With an amazing work ethic, Philip Lahm was described by Guardiola as the most intelligent player he had ever seen.
And Lahm does nothing but justify those descriptions. Having been asked to play multiple roles, Lahm has had a wonderful and has been the core of the Bavarian giants. In their recent dismal performance against Madrid, Lahm was the only shining light in the Bayern camp.
Pepe
The portuguese, who was once infamous for his dirty style of playing has had an excellent season this year. Not only has he stopped his rash methods, he has adopted a calculated approach to defense. Combining physicality with anticipation and reading of the game, he has been impenetrable at the back of the Real Madrid defense.
His disciplinary record is very clean with just one yellow card in 11 appearances. He has been very good going forward having contributed two assists and recording a 56% pass success rate.
Miranda
Another player from Atletico Madrid makes this team due to the highly impressive performances he’s been giving this year. He’s been a rock at the back for Atletico and their unbeaten record is clearly proof to the fact that Miranda has been solid in defense.
The Brazilian international has made a case for himself this season and is likely to get the call from Luiz Scolari for the World Cup. Should Atletico want to win the final, Miranda will be essential in doing that.
David Alaba
Bayern Munich’s 22 year old left back is potentially the Roberto carlos of the current generation. Blessed with pace and energy, David Alaba is excellent at going forward. He has a powerful shot and is deadly from set-pieces.
Having scored two goals and earning two assists, he has been one of the best young player in the Champions League. His defensive actions, too have been very good with more than two tackles per game and being dribbled past just once in three games.
Click on the next button to continue