UEFA Champions League 2017/18: Best XI of the semi-finals

Defence

Right-back: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Kimmich scored two in two against Real Madrid

Scoring in both the legs, Kimmich was one of the best players on the field despite finishing on the losing side. Over 180 minutes, the right-back scored two goals, made 8 interceptions and 7 key passes, completing 101 passes in total.

Keeping the numbers aside, Kimmich guarded the right flank with maturity beyond his age and kept Marco Asensio under wraps in the second leg. With and without the ball, Kimmich made his presence felt in both the legs.

Centre-back: Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

Varane was consistent over both legs

Real Madrid were under a barrage of attacks from Bayern Munich in the second leg. They needed a big performance from their trusted centre-back partnership of Ramos and Varane. Both delivered the goods but at the end, it was Raphael Varane who was more influential for his side than the club captain.

Varane made 18 clearances across both the legs and was up for the challenge of handling the flurry of attacks that came from his side of the field. His last-ditch block on James Rodriguez late in the second leg was absolutely colossal in the grand scheme of things.

Centre-back: Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

Van Dijk was colossal for the Reds

As a defensive unit, Liverpool failed to impress in both the legs against AS Roma. But individually, Virgil Van Dijk stood his ground and once again proved why he is now considered one of the best in the business.

Van Dijk made 11 clearances in the second leg and handled the aerial threat of Edin Dzeko to perfection. His physicality and aerial prowess helped Liverpool during Roma's set pieces The centre-back was also useful in possession.

Left-back: Marcelo (Real Madrid)

Marcelo was at his usual best against Bayern Munich

Defensively, Liverpool's Andrew Robertson was miles better than Marcelo in the semi-finals. But the left-back who has made a living out of his attacking output once again stayed true to his reputation and influenced the game with his attacking intent.

With one assist and one crucial away goal to his name, there was no way I could keep Marcelo out of this list. The Brazilian was found wanting while defending but made up for it handsomely with his attacking contributions.