2014/15 Champions League Team of the Year
Anticipation for this year’s Champions League final has already reached a boiling point as either Barcelona or Juventus will complete their respective trebles. Whatever happens, we should be in for a phenomenal final in Berlin.
However, the road to Germany has been a long one filled with literally hundreds of great goals, skills and performances. Dozens of Europe’s elite players have treated us to some memorable moments, underlining the fact that Champions League football is the pinnacle of the world game.
But who have been the very best players? Here is the Champions League Team of the Year for 2014/15
Goalkeeper: Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Barcelona
Former Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has had to accept playing second fiddle in his first La Liga campaign. In Europe, though, the 23-year-old has been absolutely sensational. The Barcleona man has kept clean sheets in exactly half of his dozen Champions League appearances. Moreover, his heroic efforts kept a dominant Bayern at bay for long periods of that semi-final second leg in Munich.
Ter Stegen had been touted as a potential star during his time in Germany. From his showings in this season’s Champions League, he will be regarded as one of the world’s best even sooner than predicted.
Right Back: Dani Alves – Barcelona
Luis Enrique’s first year at the Camp Nou has been nothing short of breath-taking. If he has got one thing wrong, though, it is the poor treatment of right-back Dani Alves. The 32-year-old Brazilian has been a major force in Barcelona’s defensive unit, additionally providing four assists for the Blaugrana.
His hot-headed nature has earned him six yellow cards, but that should not detract from his overall contribution to the team. Assuming he does depart the Catalan giants this summer, a whole host of European giants will be ready and waiting.
Centre Back: Diego Godin – Atletico Madrid
So nearly the hero in last year’s final, Diego Godin was a lion at the heart of Atletico’s defence once more throughout their 2014/15 Champions League campaign. Godin’s individual talent, combined with great leadership skills, kept city rivals Real Madrid at bay for the best part of three hours until Los Blancos struck a cruel blow late on to win a gripping quarter-final second leg.
It was heartache again for last year’s losing finalists, but Godin could be pleased with his own displays. The same could be said throughout his entire 2014/15 season and he even managed to get on the scoresheet.
Centre Back: Giorgio Chiellini – Juventus
Italian football has a rich history of building success upon a foundation of a strong defence. That has certainly been the case for final underdogs and Girogio Chiellini has been a central figure throughout.
The commanding centre-half has played brilliantly throughout the Champions League campaign, with his only one real mistake being the foul leading up to Real Madrid’s penalty at the Bernabeu. Nonetheless, the experienced 30-year-old has been a key asset for the Old Lady en route to the final.
Will he be the wall of Berlin to keep Barcelona at bay?
Left Back: Patrice Evra – Juventus
Having traded Manchester United for Juventus last summer, many believed the Frenchman’s career would quickly deteriorate. However, the French left-back has enjoyed a new lease of life in Italy and is looking as sturdy as he did during his illustrious heydays.
Now 34, the Juventus man is on the cusp of a heroic treble and nobody could dismiss his importance to the Serie A giants. His defensive work has been better and he still, when needed, provides a fantastic outlet in the attacking third.
Evra has formed a great unit with Juve’s other defensive players. Moreover, his experience has been vital to a club that hadn’t surpassed the quarter-final stage since 2003.