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Central midfielder: Casemiro – Porto
Humiliation against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena largely undermined Porto’s otherwise stellar performance in this year’s Champions League, but we should not forget the entertainment that the Portuguese side provided. For all that great attacking threat, though, the heartbeat of their team was undoubtedly Casemiro.
The Brazilian central midfielder only claimed one goal and one assist in eight European appearances, but his overall play was absolutely brilliant. After impressing in the group phase, the 23-year-old inspired Julen Lopetegui’s men against Basel in the round of 16 before putting in a similarly fantastic display as Porto stunned Bayern with a 3-1 home win.
Pep Guardiola’s rampant superstars proved too much even for the instrumental Casemiro to handle. Still, he is the perfect anchor for our mythical XI. Porto decided to make the loan move permanent and we can’t really blame them.
Central midfielder: Paul Pogba – Juventus
Very few names in world football conjure up as much anticipation and excitement as the game’s newest superstar. Paul Pogba is the hottest property in football right now and it’s scary to think what the young Frenchman might achieve in future years.
His Champions League performances have been spot on this season. Despite lacking match fitness and with Pirlo struggling in the semi-final, the former Manchester United prodigy provided the crucial assist for Alvaro Morata at the Bernabeu and could be a leading candidate to steal the show in Berlin.
A forced absence through injury highlighted just how important he is to this team. The fact he is now considered by many to be even more influential than the classy Andrea Pirlo is the only testimony you need.
Central Midfielder: Joao Moutinho – AS Monaco
Ligue 1’s Monaco were one of this year’s surprise packages as Leonardo Jardim guided the club to the quarter-finals before eventually dropping out to Juventus. However, it signalled a great performance for a club that had been forecast to bow out in the group stage.
The summer departures of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao were telling in a group stage in which the principality club scored just six goals, but Moutinho was the driving force behind everything good about their play. Furthermore, the Portugal international underlined his talent by running the show in that shock 3-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates, also claiming an assist on the night.
The 28-year-old has been regarded in high esteem for the best part of a decade now. On this season’s European performances, it’s easy to see why.
