Greatest UEFA Champions League XI of all-time

Defensive midfield - Clarence Seedorf

AC Milan v Novara Calcio - Serie A

Clarence Seedorf holds a unique record in the UEFA Champions League — he is the only player to have won the competition with three different clubs, having done so with Ajax, Real Madrid and twice with AC Milan.

The Dutch midfielder could slot anywhere cross the midfield due to his tactical awareness and versatility, although he played his best football as an attacking midfielder. Seedorf was also a model athlete in his prime and was praised for his work ethic and longevity, as he played for three important clubs in world football and impressed for all of them.

In addition to winning the competition four times, Seedorf was named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament twice and retired in 2014 after a career spanning over two decades.

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Central midfield - Steven Gerrard

Leicester City v Liverpool - Premier League

Widely regarded as the greatest midfielder in Premier League history, Steven Gerrard produced several standout moments in the UEFA Champions League with boyhood club Liverpool. An influential midfielder who was wonderfully well-rounded, Gerrard played all across the park for the Reds and was one of the biggest matchwinners in world football in his prime.

The Miracle of Istanbul in 2005 is remembered as the most memorable comeback in the history of European competitions, thanks in no small part to Liverpool's captain fantastic. The Reds were 3-0 down against a star-studded AC Milan side at half-time but pegged level and eventually won the game on penalties, with Gerrard in the forefront of their historic comeback.

The former England captain scored one and won another penalty, as Liverpool got their hands on the European Cup for the fifth time in their decorated history. Gerrard was named UEFA Footballer of the Year in 2005 and was included in the Team of the Season thrice, while he also earned a place in UEFA's Team of the Century.

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Central midfielder - Andres Iniesta

FC Barcelona v CA Osasuna - La Liga

One of La Masia's finest graduates, Andres Iniesta has achieved legendary status in Barcelona as well as the Spanish national team for his exploits over the years. The silky midfielder is amongst the most aesthetically pleasing players to have graced the modern era and excelled in several roles for Barcelona, having started out as a defensive midfielder.

Iniesta used his diminutive stature to his advantage, as his low centre of gravity and ball control meant he would waltz his way past opposition players with relative ease. Additionally, his spatial awareness and ability to read the game allowed him to dictate games from the centre of the park, as he formed a formidable partnership with Xavi for club and country.

The World Cup winner won the Champions League four times and was also named in the Team of the Tournament twice, while he was also an indispensable member of Pep Guardiola's legendary Barcelona team that took world football by storm a little over a decade ago.

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