UEFA Champions League 2017/18: Best XI of the quarter-finals

Midfield

Defensive midfield: Daniele De Rossi

De Rossi dominated the midfield in the second leg

Yes, he scored an own goal in the first leg. But that aside, De Rossi played some of his best football in these two legs against FC Barcelona. He completely bossed the midfield in the second leg which is no mean feat when the opposition featured the likes of Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.

It was his passing that helped Roma create chances in the second leg. His long ball to Eden Dzeko created the first goal. De Rossi then scored from the spot to make it 2-0. Over the two legs, De Rossi played a staggering 18 accurate long balls. He also did the dirty work and helped his defenders out when needed.

Centre midfield: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)

Kroos completed 97/100 passes in the second leg

The midfield maestro was at it again in both the legs against Juventus. Last night, despite Juventus dominating Real Madrid, it was Kroos who was the most influential midfielder on the field. He made 100 passes, completing 97 of those.

He completed 94 passes in the first leg and kept the play ticking from the centre of the park. In both the ties, Kroos' set-piece deliveries were threatening and troubled Juventus to great lengths. The German also worked hard for the team without the ball and tried his best to regain possession.

Left wing: Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich)

Ribery was highly influential against Sevilla

The Bavarians made their way into the semis without any fuss. They put on two professional displays against Sevilla and the star man for the Bundesliga champions was Franck Ribery. The veteran winger was the difference maker in the first leg as he provided the cross for both the goals that Bayern scored.

Ribery also was a useful outlet on the left in the second leg where he stretched Sevilla's defenders but sadly could not muster any credible end product. He still managed to complete all 3 of his dribbles in the second leg and impressed in what could be his final European campaign with Bayern Munich.

Right-wing: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Salah scored two and assisted one over two legs against City

Can any combined XI or best XI this season be complete without Mohamed Salah? The Egyptian continued his freakishly good season with two goals in two legs against Manchester City. He also delivered an assist in the first leg which took his tally to 50 contributions in the season (39 goals, 11 assists).

In the first leg, Salah gave Liverpool the lead and then put in a perfect cross for Sadio Mane to make it three. He was substituted with a groin injury in the second half but his job was done by then. In the second leg, Salah chased shadows in the first half as City dominated.

But all it took was one chance for the signing of the season to score a stunning dink which was ultimately the crucial away goal that Liverpool needed. He now has 8 Champions League goals to his name this season.