Hazard to Ronaldo: Champions League Team of the Tournament

Sport360 staff 20:14 08/06/2015
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    • After a thrilling Champions League campaign which culminated in glory for Barcelona,WhoScored.com have selected their Team of the Tournament using ratings from this year’s competition.

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    Do you agree or disagree with the choices? Have you say, using the #360Fans hashtag on Twitter. 

    GK: THIBAUT COURTOIS (CHELSEA)

    His opposite number Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona) may have caught the eye more often, but Courtois ruled the roost from behind the defence and took all the right options during Chelsea’s run to the last-16.

    RB: DANI ALVES (Barcelona) 

    Epitomising the voracious work-rate in the Barca team, Alves’ 89% pass completion rate in the UCL is just one indication of his dependability, while his ability to bomb forward has helped make him arguably the best right-back in the world for nearly a decade.

    CB: DIEGO GODIN (ATLETICO MADRID)

    Godin was at the heart of the joint third leanest defence in the group stages and was unlucky to be on the wrong end of defeat to city rivals Real in the quarters despite a mammoth defensive effort. With a 76% pass completion record, Godin isn’t too bad with the ball at his feet either.

    CB: EMIR SPAHIC (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)

    At 34 years of age the Bosnian centre-half has enjoyed one of the finest seasons of his career to date this year. Despite Leverkusen being despatched at the first knockout stage by Atletico Madrid, Spahic was a mainstay in a defence that conceded just five goals in eight games across the group stage and two-legged first round knockout stages.

    LB: ALEX SANDRO (PORTO)

    The 24-year-old Brazilian left-back enjoyed a fine Champions League campaign with Porto, averaging over four tackles and interceptions every game. Sandro may be disappointed with his solitary assist for Porto in the competition but his 80.9% pass completion rate highlights his enviable talent of keeping hold of the ball for his side.

    CM: NEMANJA MATIC (CHELSEA)

    Physically born for the big stage and showed throughout Chelsea’s European campaign that he has the brains and skill level to match any of the world’s top midfielders. A stand-out player in a burgeoning side, the Serb showed his full repertoire of skills in the Blues 3-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon back in December.

    CM: CASEMIRO (PORTO)

    The on-loan Real Madrid midfielder flourished with the Portuguese outfit this season, doing enough to persuade Real to recall the Brazilian in time for next season. Keen in the tackle, with an average of 5.6 per game, the 23-year-old is certainly not your average bruising holding midfielder. Casemiro also averaged nearly 55 passes per game at a pass completion of 81.7%.

    RM: LIONEL MESSI (BARCELONA)

    Provides the team with a shot of adrenaline every time he touches the ball. His 56 goals this season – 12 in the Champions League – make him the most important player in the world.

    LM: EDEN HAZARD (CHELSEA)

    Growing in stature with every outing, the 2014/2015 Premier League Player of the Year is a class act on and off the ball. Hazard may be disappointed with Chelsea’s European campaign, but his three goals and three assists in seven games proved how immense his contribution can be from the middle of the park.

    FW: LUIS SUAREZ (BARCELONA)

    Vilified by many but a vital cog in Barca’s attacking trio. Persistent running on and off the ball make the Uruguayan livewire a real nuisance for opposition defenders. He scored seven goals and assisted three in nine Champions League appearances this season.

    FW: CRISTIANO RONALDO (REAL MADRID)

    Must be an absolute nightmare to play against. The Portuguese man is the most decisive player in this team – alongside Messi – scoring 10 goals and assisted four in 12 Champions League.

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