The Champions League group stages are now over and there have been some outstanding individual performances. From a keeper conceding only one goal to a striker scoring five in one game we discuss our FEN Best eleven from the group stages.
GK) Danijel Subasic – AS Monaco
Monaco boasted the best defensive record of any team in this year’s group stages conceding only one goal. This was owed to some fine performances to Monaco’s virtually unknown goalkeeper who produced some outstanding performances most notably those against Bayer Leverkusen.
RB) Pablo Zabaleta – Manchester City
Zabaleta was a pivotal part in Manchester City’s Champions League turnaround most notably scoring the goal that put City’s place in the last 16 beyond doubt. His omission on matchday 5 from the starting line-up was a surprising one but his substitute appearance was one that was needed as he helped turned the game around for City.
CB) Giorgio Chiellini – Juventus
Chiellini was outstanding for Juventus throughout the group stage but his performance on Tuesday night against Atletico was his finest. Juventus conceded only 4 goals in the group stages and the ever-present Chiellini was a major part of this and defensively Juventus hopes will rest on him for any success in Europe’s elite competition.
CB) Aymen Abdennour – Monaco
Abdennour was also a vital part to the Monaco back 5 that conceded only one goal throughout the group stages and the Tunisian earned himself the plaudits in both of their impressive victories. He was named Man of the Match as they defeated Bayer Leverkusen and he scored the opener as his side beat Zenit. This string of good performances may see some of Europe’s top sides interested in the Tunisians signature.
LB) Marcelo – Real Madrid
Marcelo was part of the only side that won all 6 of their matches in the group stages however is the only player from the side to make this 11. The Brazilian performed excellently throughout, most notably in the games against Liverpool and is also the defender who created the most chances (14) whilst grabbing himself 2 assists.
RM) Arjen Robben – Bayern Munich
The Flying Dutchman was at it again in group E tormenting Manchester City twice and destroying Roma’s defence on two occasions. Only 2 goals and an assist for Robben in his 5 games thus far however his performances are deserving of much greater stats and if his performances continue then he will put Bayern in a very strong position to go all the way this time around.
CM) Nemanja Matic – Chelsea
The Serbian man’s tireless pressing saw Chelsea concede only 3 goals in the group stage. He provided excellent cover to Chelsea’s back 4 and his influence on the Chelsea side cannot be overestimated. He scored 2 goals in the groups along with an assist and also found himself completing a very impressive 38 tackles without picking up a single booking.
CM) Koke – Atletico Madrid
Koke has been the outstanding midfielder of the groups and has made the most assists in the competition this far (4). He also delivered the most crosses (56) and made the 3rd highest number of chances (18). The 22 year old is essential to Diego Simeone’s philosophy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the best midfielders on the planet.
LM) Yacine Brahimi – FC Porto
A sensational hat-trick on Matchday one against BATE seen Brahimi announce himself onto the European scene and he has not looked back. An impressive 5 goals and 3 assists helped his team advance to the last 16 unbeaten.
CF) Lionel Messi – Barcelona
The little genius was back to his dazzling best in the group stages and managed 8 goals which seen him beat Cristiano Ronaldo to Raul’s Champions League goalscoring record. Messi has also created the most chances in the competition so far (22) and with his relationship with Neymar and Luis Suarez starting to click, Barcelona will be looking to lift the trophy come May.
ST) Luiz Adriano – Shakhtar Donetsk
Luiz Adriano became only the second player to score 5 in one match in the Champions League when he helped his side hammer BATE Borisov. He is currently one goal ahead of Lionel Messi on 9 meaning he is the tournaments current top goal scorer and with an assist to his name as well no defence will look forward to drawing this man in the next round.
Who would of made your side?