There might be one final match in the Champions League, but with 188 players already evaluated, it’s an opportune moment to discuss the standout teams of the season. The inaugural year of the new format has showcased plenty of excitement and surprises, including near misses from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain during the league phase, alongside PSG’s impressive journey from the playoffs to the finals.
This season also served as a stage for emerging stars. Lamine Yamal has emerged as a contender for the Player of the Year award before turning 18, while Raphinha overshadowed him after joining Barcelona just months prior. Fans will certainly remember Declan Rice’s incredible free-kick brace that knocked out Real Madrid.
Now, let’s see which players have clinched spots on the team of the season:
Goalkeeper: David Raya, Arsenal
The competition for the goalkeeper position is fierce, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jan Sommer both shining in the knockout stages. However, neither matched David Raya’s achievement of saving two penalty kicks in the Champions League. The Arsenal keeper has excelled from the beginning, notably denying Mateo Letegui of Atalanta and Bitinha of PSG.
Although Raya’s saves might not match those of Sommer, Alisson is the only goalkeeper with a lower goals-per-90 rate than him, as he faced significantly fewer shots. Raya encountered 41 attempts, fewer than Donnarumma’s 51 and Sommer’s 58, yet managed the highest number of saves.
Right Back: Achraf Hakimi, PSG
To truly appreciate Achraf Hakimi’s impact at PSG, one needs to look no further than the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. His brilliant goal demonstrated his offensive capabilities, while his 20 ball recoveries were more than any other player in the tournament. Hakimi’s speed and intensity allowed him to cover impressive ground, making him one of the standout performers this season.
Center Back: Alexandro, Juventus
Although some might argue for Marquinhos, there are only so many PSG players that can make the cut on this list. Given the other impressive center-backs available, options like Nico Schlotterbeck or Antonio Silva could have easily secured a spot. However, Alexandro’s performance stands out, especially during qualifying rounds, where he played a vital role in Juventus’s advancement after tough matches against Atlético and Real Madrid.
Center Back: Alessandro Bastoni, Inter
Alessandro Bastoni deserves recognition for his intelligent reading of the game. While he may not lead in interceptions or tackles, his positional awareness and ability to make crucial defensive plays make him deserving of this team’s selection.
Bastoni also excels with the ball at his feet, completing impressive carries into the attacking third, which is a testament to his capability as both a defender and a ball-playing center-back.
Left Back: Nuno Mendes, PSG
Nuno Mendes has been a significant defensive asset for PSG, consistently winning back the ball throughout the tournament.
Central Midfielder: Vitana, PSG
Luis Enrique aptly dubbed Vitana the "perfect midfielder." His energy and positioning shone throughout the season, making him a central figure in PSG’s midfield. Vitana showcased his capability to control the game’s tempo, excelling in passing across the field and making key plays when it mattered most.
Central Midfielder: Joshua Kimmich, Bayern Munich
Joshua Kimmich is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his generation. He has created numerous scoring opportunities throughout the Champions League, averaging an impressive 15.3 passes into the final third each match and demonstrating his crucial role in Bayern’s success.
Central Midfielder: Pedri, Barcelona
Concerns about lacking a proper defensive midfielder can be overlooked by Pedri’s impressive statistics. Despite playing fewer minutes than others, he has displayed remarkable defensive capabilities while still contributing significantly to Barcelona’s creative play.
Right Winger: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona
Lamine Yamal has taken the spotlight, breaking out with exceptional performances at just 17 years old. His efforts, particularly against Inter, have been vital for Barcelona and show great promise for the future.
Striker: Ousmane Dembélé, PSG
Ousmane Dembélé’s resurgence has been remarkable this season, culminating in his first Champions League goal in the knockout stages. His stats reflect a compelling season, and he has positioned himself as a critical player for the team moving forward.
Left Winger: Raphinha, Barcelona
Raphinha’s achievements in the Champions League have been impressive, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for most goal involvements in a single season, despite playing more matches. His performance has significant implications for Barcelona and the broader landscape of European soccer.
Fan Take: This analysis highlights the emergence of young talents alongside seasoned pros, echoing a fleeting transition in soccer’s elite. For fans, these developments not only shape the competitive landscape today but also set the stage for exciting future rivalries and narratives in the sport.
