The Inter Milan center back has been a rock at the back for the Italian champions, showcasing his ability to read the game, make crucial tackles, and dominate aerial duels. But what sets him apart is his ability on the ball. Bastoni is a composed and elegant passer, capable of starting attacks from the back with his accurate long balls and progressive carries. His partnership with Milan Skriniar has been the foundation of Inter’s success this season, and his performances in the Champions League have been nothing short of exceptional.
LB: Theo Hernandez, AC Milan
While AC Milan might not have gone as far in the Champions League as they would have liked, Theo Hernandez was a standout performer for the Rossoneri. The left back was a constant threat going forward, providing width and creativity on the left flank. His pace and skill on the ball caused problems for opposition defenses, and he chipped in with crucial goals and assists throughout the campaign. Defensively, Hernandez was solid, using his athleticism and positioning to shut down opposing wingers.
CM: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
One of the breakout stars of the season, Lamine Yamal has taken the footballing world by storm with his performances for Barcelona. The young midfielder has shown maturity beyond his years, dictating play, breaking up opposition attacks, and contributing goals and assists. His composure on the ball and intelligence in reading the game have made him a key player for Barcelona, and his potential seems limitless. At just 17 years old, Yamal is already being touted as one of the best midfielders in the world.
CM: Declan Rice, West Ham
Declan Rice’s heroics in the Champions League will go down in history. The West Ham midfielder single-handedly dragged his team to the quarterfinals with a stunning free-kick brace against Real Madrid in the Round of 16. Rice’s leadership, work rate, and passing range have been instrumental in West Ham’s success this season, and his performances on the biggest stage have solidified his status as one of the best midfielders in Europe.
CM: Raphinha, Leeds United
Raphinha’s transformation from unwanted at Barcelona to a Champions League star has been nothing short of remarkable. The Brazilian winger has been a revelation for Leeds United, terrorizing defenses with his dribbling, creativity, and eye for goal. Raphinha’s ability to cut inside onto his left foot and unleash unstoppable shots has made him a nightmare for opposing full-backs, and his link-up play with Patrick Bamford has been a key factor in Leeds’ success.
FW: Kylian Mbappe, PSG
Not only is Pedri a tenacious defender, but he also possesses exceptional vision and passing ability. His ability to break up play and start attacks from deep positions is crucial to Barcelona’s success in the Champions League.
In the attacking third, Pedri is equally influential. He has a keen eye for a killer pass and is not afraid to take on defenders with his dribbling ability. His creativity and composure in front of goal make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Overall, Pedri’s well-rounded skill set makes him a standout performer in the Champions League. His defensive work rate, passing accuracy, and attacking flair set him apart from other midfielders in the competition.
As we look ahead to the latter stages of the Champions League, players like Pedri, Kimmich, Vitinha, Bastoni, Mendes, and others will be crucial to their teams’ success. Their ability to read the game, make key plays, and influence the flow of matches will be vital as they compete for European glory. Pedri, the creative midfielder from Barcelona, has been making waves in the 2024-25 Champions League with his exceptional performances. Despite playing 1117 minutes, which is a significant amount but not the highest among quarterfinalists, Pedri has managed to stand out as one of the best midfielders in Europe. What sets him apart is not just his creative abilities but also his outstanding defensive contributions.
When compared to other central midfielders in the Champions League, Pedri’s impact is clearly evident. He continues to excel in his creative role, showcasing his skills on the field. His ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities for his team has been instrumental in Barcelona’s journey in the competition.
Moving on to the attacking positions, Lamine Yamal from Barcelona takes the right-wing spot. At just 17 years old, Yamal has delivered some exceptional performances in critical moments of the Champions League. His display against Inter was particularly noteworthy, earning him a place in the team of the season.
In the striker position, Ousmane Dembele from PSG has been a standout performer with eight goals in crucial knockout games. Despite facing doubts about his scoring abilities in the past, Dembele has proven himself as a prolific goal scorer in the Champions League. His consistency and goal-scoring prowess have been crucial for PSG’s success in the competition.
On the left-wing, Raphinha from Barcelona has been a revelation, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goal involvements in a Champions League season. With 13 goals and eight assists to his name, Raphinha has been a key player for Barcelona, showcasing his talent and potential on the biggest stage.
Overall, these players have been instrumental in their respective teams’ success in the Champions League. Their performances have not only caught the eye but have also set new standards for excellence in European football. As the competition progresses, fans can expect more spectacular displays from these talented individuals.
