'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The UEFA Champions League (previously called the European Cup) has been the most prestigious competition in club football for over six decades. The tournament consists of a round-robin group stage and knockout games to crown the best European team in a season.
Chelsea beat Manchester City in last season’s Champions League final to win their second title. The Blues were rock solid in defence, conceding just four goals in the tournament. N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy were two of their standout performers.
It is rare for a team to win all six of their Champions League group games. However, three of them (Ajax, Bayern Munich and Liverpool) achieved the feat in the group stage of the ongoing campaign.
Sebastian Haller, Ajax’s free-scoring striker, scored ten goals during the group stage. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (11 goals in 2015-16) has scored more in the group stage of a Champions League campaign.
It's been a spectacular year in the Champions League. On that note, here's a look at the five best players in the competition in 2021:
Honourable mention: Kylian Mbappe
#5 Ruben Dias
Ruben Dias was key in Manchester City’s run to the Champions League final last season. The €68 million acquisition was an ever-present in Pep Guardiola’s backline as they reached their first Champions League title match.
City kept three clean sheets in the knockout rounds of the Champions League last season, thanks largely to Dias. The centre-back also led the charts for the most progressive carrying distance (2140 m), often turning defence into attack.
The reigning Premier League champions don’t have the best of defensive records this Champions League season. However, Dias more than merits his place in this list. He has transformed the Manchester club’s backline since his arrival last season.
#4 Sebastien Haller
Sebastien Haller has been the surprise package in the Champions League this season. The Ivory Coast international has punched well above his weight to score ten goals in the group stage. His exploits resulted in a perfect group-stage record for Ajax in the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League.
The striker netted in every group game, including four on his Champions League debut against Sporting CP. He has been equally proficient with both feet, and has also scored three headed goals.
The former West Ham man will hope to build on his ten goals and an assist when Ajax face Benfica in the Round of 16. The top scorer in this season's Champions League has been highly impactful this year.
#3 Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah scored ten goals in the UEFA Champions League this year. The Egyptian king is enjoying a sensational season, and is arguably the best player in the world on current form.
It is truly phenomenal for a right-winger to score seven goals in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
The Liverpool wide man has mesmerised fans and critics with his slick dribbling and pin-point finishing. Despite being placed in the Champions League group of death, Liverpool won all six games, courtesy of Salah's exploits.
Salah will have a say in Liverpool’s title ambitions this season. It looks like Manchester City are running away with the Premier League this season. However, if Salah is on his A-game during the Champions League knockouts, Liverpool could win their seventh title.
#2 N’Golo Kante
Chelsea have had a year to remember, as they won their second Champions League trophy.
N’Golo Kante had his fair share of injury woes over the last couple of years. However, his performances during the Champions League semi-finals and final were simply breathtaking.
The silent assassin showed his class in all three games, and was adjudged the man of the match on each occasion. He bossed the midfield and made life hell for opposition playmakers. Overall, he won four Man of the Match awards in the knockout rounds.
Kante hasn’t been at his best during the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League group stage, though. Nevertheless, his masterclass in the first half of the year is sufficient to earn him the second spot in this list.
#1 Robert Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has been the best striker in the world for a few seasons now. He scored 11 goals in the Champions League this year, more than any other player. Despite not having an ideal 2020-21 Champions League campaign, he is back to usual business this time around.
The Polish poacher has scored nine Champions League goals this campaign. He also has a couple of assists to his name. Like Salah and Haller, he ensured that his team garnered all 18 points in this season's Champions League group stage.
The 2021 Ballon d’Or runner-up didn’t play a part in Bayern Munich’s loss to PSG last season due to injury. So Lewandowski has won every game he has played in the Champions League this year, which is very impressive.
