'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Defensive Midfielder - Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
In a team filled to the brim with magicians and speedsters, Marquinhos plays a pivotal role as Paris Saint-Germain's midfield destroyer. The Brazilian midfielder's exploits are not the prettiest of sights but his unique set of skills have given the French champions plenty of impetus in the Champions League.
Marquinhos is one of the best in the world in his position and his ball-winning abilities have given Paris Saint-Germain's forward players a cutting edge on several occasions in the Champions League. The Brazilian was a colossus in the midfield against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final and made several critical interventions to ensure that the Bavarians remain out of the Paris Saint-Germain penalty area.
Marquinhos also offers a viable goal threat in set-piece situations and opened the scoring for his side against RB Leipzig in the semi-finals. The Brazilian may not be the most famous name at Paris Saint-Germain but his importance to the club cannot be understated.
Central Midfielder - Thiago (Bayern Munich)
Thiago Alcantara has grown into one of the best midfielders in the world under Hansi Flick. The Spaniard was one the bench when he won his first treble with Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Barcelona side in 2011.
Today, Thiago is one of the first names on Bayern Munich's teamsheet and played a crucial role for his side as the Bavarian juggernaut smashed defences across Europe to win the Champions League and the treble. The technically gifted midfielder has also shown tremendous improvement in the defensive aspects of his game and has blossomed into a complete midfielder at Bayern Munich.
Alongside the tenacious Leon Goretzka, Thiago has been the epitome of consistency for Bayern Munich in the Champions League and has suffocated the opposition with his work-rate. The Spaniard also has a knack of producing murderous passes in the final third and his dribbling skills in the midfield have created several chances for Bayern Munich.
Central Midfielder - Houssem Aouar (Lyon)
Lyon has one of the most balanced sides in Europe and has benefitted from the pragmatism of Rudi Garcia. The French side has a reliable defensive unit and a forward line that can create problems for the best sides in the Champions League. Every top side needs a spark of magic, however, and Lyon's source of otherworldly brilliance is Houssem Aouar.
The highly-rated midfielder has enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season with Lyon in the Champions League and has developed into one of the most promising talents in Europe under Rudi Garcia. The Lyon starlet is capable of playing in multiple positions in the midfield and his vision and trickery on the ball make him one of the most sought-after prospects in Europe.
Houssem Aouar has bagged a goal and 4 assists in this Champions League campaign and is one of the most important players in a Lyon side that has managed to exceed expectations this season.
Honourable Mentions: Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Marcel Sabitzer (RB Leipzig), Kevin Kampl (RB Leipzig)
Also Read: Premier League 2019/20: Team of the season
