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UEFA Champions League is a platform where football lovers get to see the best of the best from around Europe. The same paves the way for top-level teams and players to fight it out against each other for the most coveted trophy in club football.
Over the course of years, the UEFA Champions League has raised its bar. The intense contest has squeezed fine performances out of teams and individuals. In the recent past, we have seen unexpected things happen in the competition.
Ajax made a dream run in the 2018-19 season, reaching the semi-finals. Lyon and RB Leipzig also made semi-final appearances in the 2019-20 campaign. Liverpool broke their deadlock for the trophy a few seasons ago. In short, UCL never disappoints and this season will be no different either.
Legends of the competition Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have found new homes this season. Adding to that, the presence of constantly evolving starlets Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland makes sure that there is a lot for us to look up to this term.
On the same note, let's take a look at:
5 most valuable players in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Source: Transfermarkt
#5 Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea) — £90 million
In his short stay with Inter Milan, Lukaku achieved a hero's status as he helped the Nerazzurri secure the Scudetto after 10 long years. However, the Belgian's journey within Serie A was short-lived as he couldn't refuse a comeback to Chelsea.
Romelu Lukaku has re-joined the Londoners for a club-record fee and started scoring goals without wasting any time. He has bagged four goals (EPL:3, UCL:1) across all competitions already.
His fine form with Inter Milan and Belgium, which continues to date, has helped Lukaku maintain his market value way above his competitors. He is currently valued at £90 million.
#4 Neymar (PSG) — £90 million
Despite seeing a £9 million dip, Paris Saint-Germain's MVP, Neymar, holds the 4th spot after being valued at £90 million. The Parisians had to hand out the Ligue 1 trophy to champions Lille last term.
Neymar and his side had to settle with the Coupe de France and Trophée des Champions. The same has resulted in PSG players losing out on their market value. Unfortunately, Neymar has been one of them.
Nevertheless, with age being on his side and with the skillset he possesses, Neymar can never be written off. The Brazilian has re-united with his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi. A lot can be expected from the duo once again in this Champions League season.
#3 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) — £90 million
Mohamed Salah has been the center of attraction during Liverpool's recent trophy triumph. The Egyptian helped the Merseysiders grab the UEFA Champions League and EPL trophy in back-to-back seasons.
Salah's arrival boosted Liverpool's attacking prowess that was already under Jurgen Klopp's development. Mohamed Salah created an immediate impact at Anfield and broke numerous records in the first season itself.
The former Roma forward has already been lauded as one of the best players ever to don the red jersey. Despite enduring a trophyless season, Salah's market value didn't take much of a hit. At the moment, the LFC number 11 is valued at £90 million.
Just like Neymar, he saw a dip of £9 million.
#2 Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund) — £117 million
Erling Braut Haaland is considered the next big thing in football. And why not? The way he has been scoring goals for Dortmund, it is certain that Erling Haaland could collect all the records under his belt.
Haaland has already scored 68 goals off 67 games for the Bundesliga outfit. He is an absolute poacher when it comes to goal scoring. In the Champions League, the Norwegian is a level higher than his usual self.
The former RB Leipzig starlet is the youngest and fastest player to reach the 20-goal mark in the Champions League. He has taken 10 games fewer than the next one on the list — Harry Kane (24 games).
At the age of 21, Erling Haaland is already wanted by top-level clubs.
#1 Kylian Mbappe (PSG) — £144 million
Without much of a surprise, Paris Saint-Germain's most priced possession, who goes by the name Kylian Mbappe, secures top spot. The French international was strongly linked to Spanish juggernaut Real Madrid this summer.
However, Mbappe was convinced to stay for another year as PSG aim to bring the prestigious Champions League trophy home. With Messi and Neymar paired alongside Kylian Mbappe, the Parisians believe it's their best shot at the title.
The 22-year-old was a key member of the 2016-17 Monaco squad that went all the way up to the semis of the UEFA Champions League. He has scored 27 goals so far in the competition and keeps getting better with each season.
As per multiple reports, Mbappe is certain to join Real Madrid as a free agent next season. The former AS Monaco forward could achieve a lot with Real Madrid, the most successful club in Champions League history.
