Portugal’s Christiano Ronaldo reacts after the drawn World Cup group 1 qualifying soccer match against Denmark. AP Photo/Tariq Mikkel Khan/POLFOTO
The UEFA Champions League has reached its business end for another season. The big boys have qualified for the quarter finals, but there have been few surprises.
So here is a look at my best XI, who were instrumental in their teams’ success so far.
GOALKEEPER
Victor Valdez: Barcelona’s number one is one the most underrated goalkeepers in the world. His performances often get overshadowed by the big names that Barca have at the other end of the field.
Valdez has just conceded six goals in this season’s Champions League campaign and has been consistent, but at times he doesn’t get the credit he deserves.
DEFENDERS
Dani Alves: Brazil has a history of producing full backs of great quality and Alves is another name to that long list. Alves is probably the best right-back in the world right now.
Barca right-back is exceptional both while attacking and defending with great touch and sense of defending. He also has the ability to create goals and he also can find the back of the net from time to time.
Nemanja Vidic: The ever dependable Manchester United captain has been solid as a rock. The six-foot two-inch Serbian is a no nonsense defender. Vidic dominates forwards completely. He is Manchester United’s player of the season for me.
John Terry: Chelsea’s captain has not been his steady self this season, but the newly installed English captain still makes my team given what he bring to the team. His enthusiasm and will to win lifts the team up. The man is a born leader.
Marcelo Vieira: Marcelo has come off age this season. The Real Madrid left-back has made the position his own with some stellar performances this season. He might not be the best left-back in Europe defensively, but he definitely is the best going forward. He runs all day and terrorises his counterparts with the intelligent runs that he makes.
Marcelo has the ability to put great crosses in. This 22-year-old Brazilian also has a cultured left foot which he uses to great effect.
MIDFIELDERS
Mesut Ozil: One of the Germany’s World Cup stars has been brilliant for the Madrid giants in his debut season. Ozil is the highest assist maker in this season’s Champions League with five.
His ball distribution is impeccable. The German has the ability to breeze past defenders at will with his pace and skill. Ozil’s consistent performances are keeping one-time FIFA player of year winner Kaka on the bench, which is something to be proud off.
Andres Iniesta: The 26-year-old World Cup winner Barca midfielder has been consistently at his best this season. Iniesta has become one of the best dribblers of the ball, and finds ways to go past numerous defenders with ease.
His vision on the ball makes him the best creative midfielder in Europe right now.
Gareth Bale: Spurs left-back turned left-winger is having an exceptional first Champions League season. The Wales international has single-handedly taken Tottenham Hotspurs into the quarters.
His performance against Inter Milan at the San Siro is the best individual performance of the season so far.
Cristiano Ronaldo: The Portugal captain is someone without whom any best XI is incomplete. Ronaldo is having another great season. The star scores a heap of goals and also creates them for his teammates. The Real Madrid no.9 brings that X-factor to the team.
FORWARDS
Samuel Eto’o: The Inter Milan no.9 is heading the top scorers chart in the Champions League. The Cameroon national team captain was one of the key factors in Inter Milan’s treble winning campaign last season.
This season this lanky center forward is doing it again for the Nerazurri. His pace, sublime skill and quality finishing makes him the most dreaded forward in Europe.
Lionel Messi: Messi could make this list anytime anyone thinks of making one. The little Argentinian mesmerises defenders with his control, pace and deadly finishing. The FIFA player of the year has already notched up eight goals this season with two assist to his name as well. Messi has the quality to win any game on his own.
At times it looks like the ball is tied to his feet as he breezes past defenders.
Subrasub
Guest
nice analysis and justification but i wouldnt say Dani alves or Marcelo are the best RB or LB respectively that is a big call. Alves has been a very strong contributor in attack making his mazy runs and delivering with precision and offering set piece prowess and has truly blossomed playing at an elite club since moving from Sevilla but Maicon remains the best RB on the continent although he has been below par in some games this season but would be in my team as he is more assured going forward and also defending and if not him Sergio Ramos is undisputedly the best RB in the world and has been instrumental in Los Blanco's Champions League revival this year. Ashley Cole trumps Marcelo for me mostly because as you said he is defensively suspect, something Cole was troubled with in his early days at Highbury but he is the complete package now and has been impeccable this year. Patrice Evra and Taye Taiwo would be my boys just behind them i mean the latters performances for Marseille have been extraordinary
roarlover34
Roar Pro
what about Gerard Pique in defence?? he is genious, the best defender in the world. What about Xavi? Consistantly does the most passes in the champions league and has been rated as one of the top 5 players on the planet and possibly the best midfilder
tommy_doleman
Roar Pro
Adnan, Very much enjoyed the piece and in these articles you are always going to get argument from people! I agree with Fussball that Darijo Srna would probably get my spot at right back as would Casilla in the net. Ronaldo's selection is a bit controversial for mine given that he's had a limited impact for Real this season. Four goals only (in the group stages) and Benzema was the main star in the round of 16. On that basis, I'd look at one of Shakhtar's Brazilian trio - Jadson, Willian or Douglas Costa. Though splitting them isn't easy ha! I'd edge Douglas Costa but given his tear-apart performance against Roma
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
Nice one, Adnan Majeed and very topical as I spend (too many!) hours trying to modify my UCL Fantasy Team. Here are my nominations - very similar to yours except I have Casillas, Srna & Sneijder instead of Valdez, Alves & Iniesta (you can tell I'm getting sick of Barca!) and, as per the FFA's technical direction, I must have a 4-3-3 formation ;-) GK: Iker Casillas Defenders: Darijo Srna, Nemanja Vidic, John Terry, Marcelo Midfield: Gareth Bale, Wesley Sneijder, Mesut Özil Forwards: Christiano Ronaldo, Samuel Eto, Lionel Messi I realise there's no specific "defensive midfield", but with that defence and GK, hopefully, I've got enough cover. ... now, if only I could have all these guys in my Fantasy Team!