They say, big European games are not won by individuals, but by teams. To that I have a three-word answer, ‘Angel di Maria’. The Argentine’s relentless energy and vigour decided the Champions League final between his team Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, and rightly earned Madrid £66 million quid from Manchester United next season.
There are a lot more players who come to mind when you think of great individual performances, like Roy Keane against Juventus in 1999, Steven Gerrard against AC Milan in 2005 and the list goes on. All those performances prove just one thing, for a team to succeed, the individuals have to be up to the task.
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Back to the present and here are five players whose performances will decide the tie between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
#5 Robert Lewandowski
The Polish striker has been the crown jewel in the kingdom of Bayern Munich since his move to Bavaria. He has already scored an astounding 105 goals in 140 appearances for Bayern Munich spanning to the last three seasons.
But, it is not only that, he has a lot more to offer to Bayern’s cause. He holds up the ball for the midfield to push up, he links up play beautifully and is a very capable freekick taker.
Bayern Munich might be the only team in Europe who can put out two equally competitive teams on a given night, given two of the players play on both teams, one of which is Robert Lewandowski.
The other one..
#4 Manuel Neuer
The German shot stopper’s fitness was the biggest boost to the Bundesliga champions’ squad ahead of the first leg. “It is not easy to play here, Bayern have great players and are a great team, but we still needed to play well in the second half. We were against a goalkeeper who is a wall” said Zinedine Zidane after the first leg.
It is sometimes difficult to read into the comments of a manager on a game, given there is an element of bias in most cases, but in this situation, Zidane’s words reflected the game. Real Madrid were better and if not for Manuel Neuer, I wouldn't have been writing this list.
With the Germans 2-1 down and needing at least a goal in the second leg, Real Madrid will find the space to test the wall. Better make sure there are no cracks, eh.
#3 Cristiano Ronaldo
The only reason I have him on the list is, I don’t want to get murdered in the comments (or on Twitter). Okay, maybe also that he has 28 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season.
It helps that he scored 2 goals in the reverse fixture and is probably the best player in the world.
Also, the Portuguese has the knack of coming up with the goods when the stakes are at the highest, his ego and personality makes him shine through. The drive to be better, better than the rest, the best.
For Real Madrid to go to the next round, they will have to find Mr. Ronaldo at every chance they get.
#2 Toni Kroos
There were reports yesterday, that Cristiano Ronaldo wants Toni Kroos to start every game for Real Madrid. There were also reports that he is moving to Manchester United as part of the deal which gets David de Gea to Real Madrid.
What is undisputed is his importance to the Real Madrid squad. “Kroos is the best midfield passer in the world, towards the end of my career, I tried to emulate him”, and that comes from one of the best midfielders in modern football Paul Scholes.
His ability to control the game is unparallel in modern football, he can pass long, he can pass short and he can even pass into the goal. Against his former club, he has a point to prove, and my sixth sense tells me, he will.
#1 Thiago Alcantara
The most improved player to be on the list, the Spaniard wouldn’t have got even near the list last season, let alone be number 1. It was close call between him and Arjen Robben, but the La Masia graduate edges it for the pseudo number 10 position he plays for Bayern Munich.
Like Kroos, Thiago has the capability to pass the ball long and short, has brilliant close control, and has a right foot which would give the best goalkeepers in the world nightmares (*cough* Navas *cough*).
As much as Robert Lewandowski, Arjen Robben and whoever plays on the other wing’s individual talent, they will depend on the movement of Thiago and his ability to get them in play.
