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Centre-Backs
A number of sides kept many clean sheets over the six games in the group stages. And this season saw the youngsters play a starring role in the back-line.
Manchester City's John Stones was one of the best centre-backs over the course of the group stages with Pep Guardiola finally getting the best out of the English youngster.
What's more, the 23-year-old even managed to find the back of the net 3 times - against Feyenoord and Napoli. Among all players who scored more than once in the competition this season, Stones actually had the best conversion rate (75%).
At the back, he was rock-solid and was comfortable with the ball at his feet, boasting a pass percentage of 95%. He also made a total of 21 clearances.
His defensive partner is none other than Barcelona's rising star Samuel Umtiti. In five group games, he was part of a defence that conceded only one goal.
His discipline at the back was a star contrast to partner Gerard Pique who picked up yellow cards and even got sent off.
The French defender is sadly out for eight weeks and the Catalan club will hope he recovers from his hamstring injury before the knockout stages get underway.
Substitute: Pepe (Besiktas)
