'%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)
The group stage of the UEFA Champions League 2021–22 campaign has been wrapped up. The competition will not return with knockout football until February. While we wait in anticipation for the mouth-watering last-16 fixtures, we have decided to bring you a list of standout performers from the group stages.
These footballers have played admirably in the UEFA Champions League this season and have already earned shoutouts for the Player of the Season award. Here are 6 footballers who could win the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season award at the end of the campaign:
#6 Cristiano Ronaldo - Manchester United
Manchester United have not been at their best this season, especially in the Premier League. However, thanks to the genius of Cristiano Ronaldo, they have fared quite well in the UEFA Champions League.
Having acquired 11 points from their six UEFA Champions League Group F matches, Manchester United progressed to the last-16 as group winners. Unsurprisingly, UEFA Champions League record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo has emerged as their most important player. The Portugal international has scored six goals in five matches, directly fetching them five points with his four goals.
Whether United will go deep into the UEFA Champions League this season is anybody’s guess. However, if they do, Ronaldo will likely be a strong contender for the Player of the Season award.
#5 Karim Benzema - Real Madrid
Real Madrid ace Karim Benzema has been enjoying a fine campaign for the 13-time UEFA Champions League winners. The Frenchman has not only led the charge with goals but he has also been contributing generously to Real Madrid’s build-up play.
Benzema fired a blank in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League opener this season against Inter but bounced back with five goals in four matches. His combinational play with Vinicius Junior has been noteworthy and could prove to be decisive for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League knockout games.
#4 Lionel Messi - PSG
Since moving to PSG in the summer, Lionel Messi has only scored one Ligue 1 goal for the Parisians. However, in the UEFA Champions League, he has been a force to be reckoned with.
Messi has impressed his new team-mates with his clever movement, vision and ruthless finishing. The Argentine hasn’t been overly determined to score this season but has taken his chances well, especially in the UEFA Champions League.
Messi opened his account for PSG in Europe with a well-taken goal against Manchester City on matchday two. He added two more against RB Leipzig the following gameweek and topped off the group-stage campaign with another brace against Club Brugge on matchday six.
Messi’s sole intention is to lead PSG to their maiden UEFA Champions League title this season. Attaining that goal would surely make him a Player of the Season nominee.
#3 Kylian Mbappe - PSG
UEFA Champions League is home to some of the greatest goalscorers in European football history. Kylian Mbappe may not yet have the records that the big boys have, but he surely has the quality to attain them.
Since breaking onto the scene with Monaco in 2016-17, Mbappe has not had to look back. He has emerged as one of the key players for PSG and it would not be a surprise to see him lead them to European glory. With ten goal involvements in six UEFA Champions League games (four goals, six assists), Mbappe has been PSG’s most prolific forward this season.
Not only is Mbappe freakishly quick, but he is also exceptionally composed in front of goal, which is rare for a player this young. If he can keep this up in the UEFA Champions League, Mbappe could easily find himself in contention for the Player of the Season award.
#2 Robert Lewandowski - Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are one of the strongest teams in the UEFA Champions League this season. They have a strong defense, a capable midfield and, most importantly, a hungry Robert Lewandowski to lead their line. Lewandowski has performed consistently for Bayern over the last few seasons and was a key member of their 2019-20 UEFA Champions League-winning side.
Bayern did fail to retain the Champions League last season, but they sure look strong enough to take the trophy home this time around.
With nine goals in six appearances, Lewandowski is the second-highest goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League this season. He also has two assists to his name, which sheds light on his creative side.
#1 Mohamed Salah - Liverpool
Liverpool right-winger Mohamed Salah is in the form of his life right now, both in the Premier League and in the UEFA Champions League. With 14 goals and nine assists in 16 Premier League games, Salah has been Premier League’s leading scorer and assist-provider this campaign.
The Egypt international is yet to register an assist in the UEFA Champions League, but his goalscoring run has continued in Europe. Salah has netted seven times in six games, helping the Reds beat Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, and FC Porto.
Salah has recently expressed his desire to win the Ballon d’Or in the future, and his performances have thoroughly proven his intent. A successful Champions League campaign would all but seal the Player of the Season award and at least a Ballon d’Or podium finish for Salah.
