Benzema, Mbappe, others make Champions League Team of the Season

Benzema, Mbappe, others make Champions League Team of the Season

Sulaimon Jamiu

At the end of a dramatic and tense Champions League final between LaLiga power house Real Madrid and Premier League giant Liverpool, UEFA has announced the Team of the Season through their official social media handle.

Los Blancos striker Karim Benzema was predictably named the player of the season, having scored 15 goals in just 12 games and inspiring some great comebacks against the likes of PSG, Chelsea and Man City.

21-year-old Brazilian, Vinicius Junior, who netted the winner and lone goal in the final, was named the Young Player of the Season.

Here is what the UCL Team of the Season looks like, consisting of four Real Madrid and Liverpool players each, and a player each from PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City.

GK: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

An exceptional and historic performance of nine saves in the final silenced any doubters of Courtois’ ability, as he cemented his place in the goal post of the UCL team of the season.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

The Englishman’s performance in the final was a bit undesirable defense-wise, but he was again a sensation going forward as he produces quite a number of crosses into the box.

CB: Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)

German international, Antonio Rudiger, has established himself among one of Europe’s most feared defenders, as he commands from the heart of the Blues’ defence. He was most outstanding at times during the Blues’ run to the quarter-final.

CB: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Unable to get Liverpool over the line in the final, but Van Dijk was rock solid during the eight Champions League games he featured in.

LB: Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Similar to Alexander-Arnold, Robertson was a tremendous attacking threat for Liverpool as they racked up the goals en route to the final, providing three assists -most, for a left back-.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Man city’s ace and the best player in the Premier League remains one of Europe’s top stars too. Unable to guide Manchester City to the final but De Bruyne was brilliant throughout their campaign, scoring twice and assisting thrice.

CM: Fabinho (Liverpool)

The anchor of Liverpool’s midfield, Fabinho was the rock solid foundation that fired Jurgen Klopp’s side to the final with his aggressiveness and confidence.

CM: Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

The 36-year-old Croatian is still operating at the peak of his powers. Modric was sublime in Real’s midfield. Sees the game so well and is still a cut above technically, racking up a total of four G/A.

RW: Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Perhaps a tad surprising to see Mbappe make the team given PSG went out in the last 16, but the Parisien’s prince scored six times in eight games, including a thrilling last-minute winner against Real Madrid.

CF: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

A scorer of 15 Champions League goals during 2021/22, it’s no surprise that Benzema is not only in the team of the season, but he’s also been named the best player. Outrageous contributions against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City.

LW: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)

The Brazilian arrived on the world’s stage after a wonderful season in Madrid. Capped off by scoring the winning goal in the final against Liverpool.

editor

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

%d