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With defending champions Real Madrid set to face off against 5-time champions Liverpool in the final of the 2018 UEFA Champions League, here is a look at a combined 11 of players from the two teams in a 4-3-3 formation.
Goalkeeper: Loris Karius
Goalkeeping is not the strongest position for either team though Keylor Navas and Loris Karius have done the job asked of them for their respective teams. Navas has had some strong performances in Europe this season including a man-of-the-match performance against Bayern Munich in their semi-final second leg. The Costa Rican has an average of 3.1 saves per game in the Champions League this season.
Karius, however, gets the nod in goal ahead of Navas boasting the most clean sheets in this season's tournament at 6. Karius looks to be coming into his own after a difficult first season at Liverpool. Having taken over as Liverpool's no 1 this season, his confidence has been evident and improvements are clearly visible.
The 24-year-old has plenty of time to continue to improve starting with keeping Cristiano Ronaldo and co. at bay in the final.
Right-back: Daniel Carvajal
A solid option with loads of experience despite being only 26 years old, Dani Carvajal already has 3 Champions League titles under his belt. He performances tend to be overshadowed by the flashy plays on the team but he has proven reliable and become a mainstay in this Madrid team.
Young Trent Alexander-Arnold has had a breakthrough season culminating in his inclusion in England's World Cup squad. He still has a few kinks to iron out defensively to achieve the level of consistency of Carvajal.
Centre-back: Sergio Ramos
The man for the big occasion. Considered by many people as one of the best defenders in the world, Ramos always seems to step up when Madrid need a crucial late goal. A big threat from set-pieces, Ramos has earned praise for his eye for goal. He is also key on the defensive end as was evidenced in the semi-final against Bayern Munich where Lewandowski and Muller were marked out of the game.
His ability on the ball is also very impressive averaging a pass success rate of 92.1% in the Champions League this season. His discipline, however, still remains a matter of concern though he surprisingly has not been sent off in Europe this season.
Centre-back: Virgil van Dijk
The Dutchman has been a colossal presence for the Reds since arriving in the winter transfer window. He has justified his record fee for a defender by putting in almost effortless shifts in defence winning the ball in the air and on the ground and displaying fantastic ability with the ball at his feet.
His calming presence has also helped settle those playing in defence around him. He has averaged an impressive 7.6 clearances per game while winning an impressive 4.2 aerial duels per game.
Left-back: Marcelo
Andy Robertson has been a revelation for Liverpool since claiming the starting spot and his exclusion from this lineup is one of the more difficult choices. He has averaged a very impressive 4.4 clearances per game in the UCL this season after all. He is kept out of the team by a man considered by many to be the best left-back in the world, Marcelo.
The Brazilian likes to play on the front foot and does much of his damage on the offensive end as evidenced by his 3 goals and 2 assists in Europe this season. His almost telepathic understanding with Ronaldo should concern Liverpool but he would also need to be up to defensive duties against the Reds.
Defensive Midfielder: Casemiro
Taking his position at the base of a 3-man midfield is the combative Casemiro. The Brazilian has been instrumental in Real's progress to the final with some impressive performances including 2 man-of-the-match awards.
He is averaging a pass success percentage of 91% but it is his defensive credentials which really stand out with 4.1 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in the UCL this season.
Central Midfielder: Toni Kroos
The German has been one of the best players in the world for some years now and his class continues to be evident. Forming one of the best midfield partnerships in world football with Luka Modric, Kroos has been instrumental in Real Madrid's recent successes including impressing once again in Europe this season.
His ability to win the ball in midfield cannot be scoffed at averaging 1.6 tackles in the Champions League this season. Yet it is his ability to carve out opportunities from midfield and dictate the tempo of the game from midfield that really stands out. He is averaging a pass success rate of 93.7% in the UCL this season
Central Midfielder: James Milner
Keeping Modric out of the team is Liverpool's tireless utility man James Milner. Having made the switch back to midfield this season after a stint at left-back, Milner has covered every blade of grass and gone into every tackle with unwavering commitment The 32-year-old has thrived in Jurgen Klopp's gegenpress this season putting in some impressive performances.
He makes this team, however, due to leading the competition in assists this season. In fact, according to UEFA, Milner now holds the record for the most assists in a UEFA Champions League campaign with 9. Not bad for a player not known for his flair.
Right Forward: Mohamed Salah
A sensational domestic season ended with the PL Golden Boot and a collection of just about every individual honour. But Salah has also been just as sensational in the Champions League and deservedly earns his place in this team.
The Egyptian has notched up 10 goals in the UCL putting him joint second behind Cristiano Ronaldo. He also has 4 assists to his name but it is his ability to terrorise defenders in the final third of the pitch that has propelled him into the world's elite.
Center Forward: Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian has spearheaded the most potent attack in the Champions League this season in sublime fashion. Able to defend from the front, link up play, score and provide assists has seen him emerge as one of the best strikers in world football.
'Bobby' has the most goal involvements of any player in the Champions League this season at 18. He has 10 goals (joint second alongside Salah) and 8 assists (one behind Milner). He will seek to cap a fantastic season by leading from the front in the final.
Left Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo
Who else? The all-time record goalscorer in the Champions League has once again come to the fore leading Real Madrid to the final by adding another 15 goals along with 2 assists this season. After losing out on the domestic league and cup to fierce rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid will be hoping Ronaldo shows up and guides them to a historic third consecutive Champions League triumph.
Sadio Mane who has had a brilliant season in the UCL as well (9 goals and 2 assists) is unfortunate to miss out to the brilliance of the Portuguese star.
Liverpool hopes of winning the trophy in Kiev will depend on whether they can keep Ronaldo quiet, something that is easier said than done.
