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Best players in the UEFA Champions League so far
#3 Ruben Dias | Manchester City
It would be unfair to have a list of the best players in the UEFA Champions League so far without one member from the best defensive unit in the competition. Manchester City have let in just ONE goal in their eight UCL fixtures so far, which was a 14th-minute strike from FC Potro's Luis Diaz. In fact, Ederson Moraes has had only ten shots to save across these games.
Much of this frankly ridiculous defensive record has had to do with City's new colossus at the back, Ruben Dias. Since his move from SL Benfica, the 23-year-old has quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League with City.
He is a monster in the air with a brilliant sense of positioning, helping him deal with some of the quickest forwards around. Dias' leadership and bravery have also been at the forefront as he's put his body on the line to protect his side on many occasions. Dias' arrival has terraformed the Cityzens' defensive landscape, making them the most difficult team to score against in all of Europe.
Apart from his excellent reading of the game and defensive acumen, the Portuguese's ability on the ball has shone through for Pep Guardiola's side. The centre-back has attempted the fifth-most number of passes and boasts the best completion percentage in the competition among remaining players. He has undoubtedly been one of the standout players in this season's UEFA Champions League.
#2 Kylian Mbappe | Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe is on the other end of the spectrum in comparison to his teammate, Neymar. While the Brazilian had a superb group stage campaign, he missed the two crucial games against Barcelona in the round of 16 via injury. On the other hand, Mbappe was relatively quiet in the first stage with two goals and three assists, both coming against Basaksehir.
However, in Neymar's absence, it was Mbappe who stood up and delivered for PSG as he ran Barcelona ragged on their own turf. The French superstar put up one of the most memorable knockout stage performances by any player in recent memory as he ripped a hapless Barcelona to shreds at the Nou Camp with a stunning hat-trick.
The third goal he scored on the night was one of the best goals of the tournament this season, pulling the trigger from the edge of the penalty area past an outstretched Marc-Andre ter Stegen. After an unimpressive group stage, Mbappe's electric display was a timely reminder of his undeniable quality.
Mbappe also scored in the reverse fixture in Paris as he coolly converted a first-half spot-kick to confirm Barcelona's elimination from the competition in the round of 16. The World Cup winner will be crucial to PSG's chances of replicating their heroics from last season and potentially going on to win the UEFA Champions League.
#1 Erling Haaland | Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund's record-breaking striker Erling Haaland takes the top spot on the list as the most impressive player in the UEFA Champions League this season. The Norwegian superstar has established himself as the most in-demand player in the world right now after his goalscoring heroics for the Bundesliga club, with 49 goals in 49 game
Haaland has scored in every UEFA Champions League game he's played this season, including a staggering four (!) braces in his six appearances. Two of them came against reigning Europa League champions Sevilla in the knockout stage against the likes of Jules Kounde and Diego Carlos. The 20-year-old scored four of Dortmund's five goals in an entertaining nine-goal round of 16 tie.
Haaland has been simply unstoppable in the competition so far and has scored a total of 24 goals in his first 20 UEFA Champions League games. For context, Kylian Mbappe scored 12 goals, Lionel Messi had eight, Robert Lewandowski had six, and Cristiano Ronaldo had just one goal to show for at this stage of their careers. Even the likes of Ferenc Puskas (19) and Alfredo Di Stefano (21) do not compare to Haaland in this particular regard.
As he gears up to face his father Alf-Inge Håland's old club, Manchester City, it is safe to say that Haaland has been the best player in the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League season so far. The 20-year-old could go on to break even more records if they manage to cause a shock upset against Pep Guardiola's men.
Also read: 5 Transfers that dramatically changed the fortunes of a club
