Right-Back: Dani Alves
Another one like Buffon, who seems to be getting better with age. The former Barcelona man is on the quest to become the most decorated club footballer of all-time, he is currently with 33 trophies and the leader is on 37. Alves was sensational for the Old Lady in the quarter-finals against Barcelona as he helped negate the threat of Neymar down the left wing, while in the semi-finals he was, without a shadow of doubt, Juventus’ best player as he was involved in every goal that Massimiliano Allegri’s side scored.
He was a bit subdued in the final, where he was played on the right wing, and although he did manage to keep Marcelo at bay in the first half, the plan didn’t work out in the second. The Brazilian finished the tournament with 3 goals and 4 assists, incredible for any full-back, and it is for this reason that he is selected above Dani Carvajal and other suitable options.
Left-Back: Marcelo
Marcelo is arguably the best left-back in the world right now. The Brazilian plays much more of a role in Zinedine Zidane’s side than an archetypal left-back, he orchestrates their game from the left-wing and the biggest evidence was this was available in Real Madrid’s semi-final triumph over Bayern Munich.
It was Cristiano Ronaldo that stole the headlines for his 5-goals across the two legs but it was Marcelo that stole the show in both of these two games. Not only has the Brazilian improved tremendously as a defender, but it is his offensive instincts and contributions that help him stand out from the rest.
Apart from being one of the fastest players in the game, Marcelo is also adept with crosses and possess threat when allowed space to maraud forward or when allowed to shoot. His run for the final goal against Bayern Munich, when he evaded numerous challenges to reach Manuel Neuer before squaring it for Ronaldo to bury into an empty net was the biggest testament to his abilities.
