The Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League has concluded, and it’s time to unveil our standout XI from this phase of the tournament. As expected, the top performers predominantly hail from the victorious teams across Europe.
This selection features only those players who participated in both legs, with a representation of three from Barcelona, and two each from Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Notably, four players from Spain are included in this lineup.
Goalkeeper
Alisson (Liverpool) 8.5
Alisson’s outstanding display in the first leg in Paris will be remembered for a long time, although it proved to be of little consequence as Liverpool were knocked out in the second leg where the Brazilian netminder failed to save any penalties in the decisive shootout.
Despite the team’s exit, Alisson achieved the highest rating of any goalkeeper in this round.
Defenders
Alejandro Balde (Barcelona) 8.1
Barcelona’s promising left-back Alejandro Balde notched the match-winning assist—his third of the tournament—as the Catalans overcame Benfica.
Balde set up Raphinha for the team’s third goal, more to come on him shortly.
Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich) 7.8
The standout performer against Celtic, Alphonso Davies enjoyed the spotlight and scored in the return leg against Bayer Leverkusen, bringing the overall score to 5-0 as Bayern cruised into the quarter-finals.
Nuno Mendes (PSG) 7.7
Portuguese full-back Nuno Mendes proved himself as one of the top players in his position while taking on Liverpool.
His impressive 73 minutes in the first leg were followed by an even more commendable 120 minutes in the return leg, where he managed to handle the attacking threats of the Reds effectively.
Midfielders
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) 8.4
Lamine Yamal’s impressive synergy with Raphinha has proven to be fruitful for Barcelona once again.
During their second leg against Benfica, the 17-year-old scored and provided an assist for the Brazilian in the first half, as Barcelona dazzled on the pitch.
Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) 8.8
In Rotterdam against Feyenoord, Hakan Calhanoglu only made a brief 10-minute appearance, but he showcased his skills in the return leg, starting and playing a pivotal match.
He capped off his performance with the winning penalty, ensuring Inter’s progression.
Declan Rice (Arsenal) 7.9
Though Arsenal’s Declan Rice may not always feature in headlines, he certainly made his mark against PSV with an assist in the first leg and a goal in the return, contributing to the Gunners’ impressive 9-3 aggregate victory.
This was a solid return for Rice, especially given his previously modest scoring record.
Marco Asensio (Aston Villa) 8.5
Spanish midfielder Marco Asensio, currently on loan, played a crucial role for Aston Villa in both legs against Club Brugge, particularly during the match in Birmingham.
After coming on at half-time, the PSG loanee scored two goals within 15 minutes, which paved the way for his team’s victory.
Forwards
Mikel Merino (Arsenal) 8.0
Mikel Merino, the Spanish midfielder deployed as a forward against PSV due to a lack of strikers, impressed by contributing a goal and an assist in their commanding 7-1 first-leg triumph.
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) 8.1
The English superstar, Harry Kane, is a constant threat in Europe. His goals in both legs have brought his career tally in the tournament to 39.
Inter must develop a strategy to contain him in the quarter-finals.
Raphinha (Barcelona) 8.3
Raphinha’s goals against Benfica established him as one of the competition’s top scorers alongside Kane, with a total of 11 goals.
The Brazilian has been in exceptional form this season, and Hansi Flick’s side will be hopeful of going all the way with him in the squad.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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