The Champions League team of the season is a fascinating selection, with a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Here's my take on the starting eleven, with a focus on the players who stood out and the stories behind their performances.
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Raya's performance in the Champions League final was a testament to his growing reputation. His decision-making and heroic saves, including a crucial stop from Nuno Mendes, showcased his ability to be a wall in front of the goal. With nine clean sheets in 14 matches, Raya's consistency and shot-stopping skills make him a strong candidate for the best goalkeeper in the competition.
Right-back: Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Porro's overlapping full-back skills were a key part of Tottenham's success in the group stage. His decent record in Europe under Thomas Frank has not gone unnoticed, with recent links to a return to Manchester City. Porro's ability to provide width and support in attack makes him a valuable asset for any team.
Centre-back: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)
Despite a red card in the playoff against Bosnia that impacted Italy's World Cup chances, Bastoni remains Inter's best defender. His defensive prowess and role as an organiser and deep-lying playmaker in the Champions League group stage, where Inter conceded just seven goals, highlight his importance to the team.
Centre-back: Odin Bjørtuft (Bodø/Glimt)
The Norwegian club's run to the last 16 was a fairy tale, and Bjørtuft was at the heart of it. His ball recoveries and defensive leadership, ranking third behind only Mendes and Pacho, showcase his impact. Bjørtuft's performance against Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter was a key factor in their success.
Left-back: Matteo Ruggeri (Atlético Madrid)
Ruggeri's defensive prowess and ability to set up goals, as seen in the quarter-final win over Barcelona, make him a standout performer. His role as a Simeone player, a defender first, highlights his importance to Atlético's success in the competition.
Defensive midfielder: Morten Hjulmand (Sporting)
Hjulmand's poise and tenacity in the middle of the park were crucial for Sporting's top-eight finish in the group stage. His absence in the first leg of the quarter-final against Arsenal was a significant blow, but his overall performance in the competition deserves recognition.
Central midfielder: Aleix García (Bayer Leverkusen)
García's passing accuracy and ability to serve as a metronome for his team were key to their run to the last 16. His spectacular goal against PSG showcased his talent, and his consistency in the Champions League group stage is a testament to his importance to Leverkusen.
Central midfielder: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Szoboszlai's performance in the Champions League, especially in the crucial match against Galatasaray, was a highlight of Liverpool's season. His marauding style and ability to create chances, often playing at full-back, make him a versatile and impactful player.
Left-wing: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Kvaratskhelia's mix of orthodox left-wing play and explosive power has made him a standout performer. His performance in the final, despite being exhausted and battered, showcased his class. Kvaratskhelia's overall impact in the Champions League makes him a strong contender for the best player in the competition.
Right-wing: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Yamal's talent and skill, as seen in the quarter-final against Atlético, are beyond compare. His ability to pull off skills that would have been beyond even the greatest players in history is a testament to his potential. Yamal's progress and impact in the Champions League make him a key player for Barcelona's future.
Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane's creative edge and understanding with Bayern's wingers, as well as his goal-scoring prowess, make him a worthy successor to Lewandowski. His ability to contribute both in front of the goal and in creating chances showcases his all-around impact on the team.
This team of the season highlights the depth of talent in the Champions League and the impact of players across different positions. From goalkeepers to strikers, each player has contributed to their team's success in their own unique way.
