Champions League Team of the Week as Liverpool, Tottenham, Man City dominate XI

Aditya Devavrat 14:57 15/02/2018
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  • Eriksen and Dembele starred in Spurs' comeback draw.

    With three English sides playing this week, it’s not too surprise that they would take up plenty of spots in our Champions League XI for the week, but nobody would have predicted that the Premier League would dominate to this extent.

    A thrilling comeback draw by Tottenham and stunning wins from Manchester City and Liverpool – all away from home – mean that nine out of the 11 places in our XI have gone to Premier League players.

    Have a look at who else made our Champions League Team of the Week …

    Ederson 

    When Manchester City broke the transfer record for a goalkeeper last summer – and a relatively unknown player to boot – many people weren’t sure if Ederson was the cure to the club’s woes at the position. Since then, however, he’s proved himself to be worth every penny. His shot-stopping is immaculate and his distribution, vital yet again to City’s win over Basel, is sublime.

    Kyle Walker

    Pep Guardiola has unlocked Walker’s full potential. He’s always been fast and loved attacking, but now there is added menace to his game. He takes on opposing defenders like he’s a winger himself, and more often not, beats them in a way he’d never allow himself to be beaten. Walker is the quintessential modern full-back, and he’s only going to get better under Guardiola.

    Virgil van Dijk

    There’s no quantifying what Van Dijk has brought to Liverpool. Individual defenders have gotten better – see Dejan Lovren’s display on Wednesday – and the Dutchman has stepped in and immediately taken control of what can still be a flawed backline. And when he’s called upon himself, he can produce moments of brilliance – a stunning goal-saving tackle against Porto was the latest example.

    Sergio Ramos

    There were times when Real Madrid were overrun by PSG‘s star-studded attack, although that was to be expected. But the Madrid captain ensured his side held firm after going behind, commanding his area and marshalling his defence well. The home side’s rearguard was crucial to their comeback victory, and Ramos was at the heart of it.

    Andrew Robertson

    Robertson has nailed down the spot of Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, and with good reason. He’s a solid, reliable presence in defence and a threat going forward. Against Porto, he was a tireless presence down Liverpool’s left flank, giving no quarter to Porto’s attackers and joining in attack whenever he could. He fizzed a shot past keeper José Sá’s near post in the first half – it was close to being a goal of the season contender.

    Mousa Dembele

    It’s time to start talking about Dembele as one of the best midfielders in Europe. He controls a game like few others can, directing passages of play with quick passing, clever movement, and sharp decision-making, along with his relentless energy and pressing out of possession. Against Juventus, he took the game by the scruff of its neck, and dragged his team along with him. The Belgian set the tone for Tottenham’s comeback.

    Tottenham's midfield maestro Mousa Dembele

    Tottenham’s midfield maestro Mousa Dembele.

    Ilkay Gundogan

    After a stop-start career blighted by injuries, Ilkay Gundogan is finally coming into his own. His brace in Manchester City’s commanding 4-0 win at Basel was among his best displays yet for Pep Guardiola’s side, in a season full of outstanding performances. In a loaded City side, Gundogan has slowly made himself undroppable.

    Sadio Mane

    Sadio Mane has had to take a back seat somewhat this season, with Mohamed Salah’s incredible debut campaign pushing the Senegalese to the sidelines. On Wednesday night, he roared back, scoring a hat-trick to help Liverpool crush Porto. This was supposed to be a tricky tie for Liverpool, but thanks to Mane, they’re practically guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals after a 5-0 away win.

    Christian Eriksen

    Along with Dembele, Eriksen was the player most responsible for Tottenham’s comeback at the home of the Italian champions. In 2015, Juventus made an approach for the Dane, only for Spurs to reject any possibility of a move. Eriksen showed Juventus what they missed out on, conducting the game like a classical pass-master. And his goal was a moment of genius, taking advantage of Gianluigi Buffon’s predictable trigger movement and a wall that was sure to jump.

    Bernardo Silva

    Silva has found opportunities limited in a City squad boasting of several top-quality attacking players, but the Portuguese has not let his motivation or standard dip. Now, thanks to Leroy Sane’s injury and Guardiola’s desire to give David Silva a rest whenever possible, the import from Monaco has a chance to make his mark, and on Tuesday he made his mark, helping City consolidate their good start and making sure there would be no slip-ups against Basel.

    Cristiano Ronaldo

    Ronaldo’s past it, isn’t he? He’s in decline, he’s holding Madrid back, it’s time to move on from him, they should sell him in the summer. Or, you know, let him score braces in Champions League knockout games again and again. At 1-0 down at home against PSG, Real Madrid’s season was slipping away, but a deadly penalty and an instinctive finish from Ronaldo put the hosts in front before another goal put them in command. Don’t count him out just yet.

    The English sides dominate this week's Champions League Team of the Week.

    The English sides dominate this week’s Champions League Team of the Week.

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