Champions League Team of the Season: Overshadowed XI

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are that of the author and are not necessarily that of Sportskeeda.

It’s time to call curtains on the biggest club footballing event in Europe, and probably the world. Bayern Munich finally broke their finals curse, and some Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona hearts, on the way to securing their fifth European championship.

There were a couple of surprises and some brilliant performances by the teams in this year’s edition of the tournament. With that in mind, here’s a team of the season made from only the smaller clubs that participated in the competition. None of the big names that were included in pot ‘A’ are eligible and neither are teams who slipped into the Europa League.

The aim of the post is not just to put 11 players on the pitch but to put together 11 players in a way that can actually function as a team.

Formation: 4-3-2-1

Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster (Celtic)

Forster was inspiring during the tie against Barcelona and was instrumental in the upset that they pulled off against the Catalans. Equally comfortable with coming out to collect the ball as well as standing his ground and stopping the shot, Forster showed remarkable command over his area and marshalled his defence very effectively.

Right-Back: Razvan Rat (Shakthar Donetsk)

The Romanian right-back was one of the better defenders in the group stages, and his performance at home against Chelsea was particularly noteworthy. Attacking down the flanks and getting back to defend with equal gusto whilst also being a true leader; Rat is definitely the best option at RB for this team.

Left-Back: Jose Holebas (Olympiakos)

The Greek team may not have made it out of the groups, but they came mighty close. One of the reasons Holebas is in this team is because of his tireless defending ability. A defender with a good sense of positioning along with the ability to throw in crunching tackles makes him a very good choice for this team.

Martin Demichelis was instrumental in Malaga’s run to the quarters. (Getty Images)

Centre-Back: Martin Demichelis (Malaga)

In many ways this was a re-emergence season for Martin Demichelis. A player with great ability, the Argentinean has everything it takes to be a top central defender. Good reading of the game, good areal abilities and exceptional body strength combined with a proper sense of when to lunge in for the tackle and when not to, makes him a great option at the back.

Centre-Back: Adil Rami (Valencia)

The firm choice at the back for Valencia in all competitions, Rami certainly makes a case for himself to be in this team. Good in the air and also not as typically slow as a lot of centre-half’s tend to be, Rami’s inclusion gives the team a dynamic defender, who prefers to be proactive in defence.

Centre Defensive Midfield: Victor Wanyama (Celtic)

Wanyama’s abilities speak for themselves. A player who is being monitored and wanted by a lot of clubs that have better squads than the Scottish outfit, Wanyama brings stability to the midfield. Tracking runs of the opposition’s attackers, cutting off passing lanes guarding against the counter and generally providing a shield to the defence in every way, Wanyama is probably the best choice for the position

Left Centre Midfield: Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk)

Part of a potent midfield pivot in the Ukaranian side, Fernandinho is a very dynamic midfielder who provides speed down the flanks when necessary and solidity in the centre of midfield in defence. Always available to release pressure and start a counter-attack, it’s the Brazilians late runs into the attacking third that give an extra dimension to the attack.

Right Centre Midfield: Nourredine Amrabat (Galatasaray)

The Turkish champions have had some very good performances this season especially at home. Amrabat is one of the reasons their attacking potential has been unlocked to its fullest this season. A versatile player, who can play both on the wings as well as in the centre, the Moroccan boasts of a brilliant passing accuracy. And if that wasn’t good enough he still has the workrate to track back and defend in a disciplined manner.

Right Attacking Midfielder: Christian Eriksen (Ajax)

Eriksen is yet another product of the Dutch academy who promises to be a fantastic player. Played predominantly as a false nine by his manager, Eriksen’s brilliant passing ability and movement are probably better suited to be in the attacking midfield, while his composure in front of goal is another added bonus. Scoring and assisting with equal ease and flair, the 21-year-old is being surely one for the future.

Malaga’s Isco was one of the bright young stars of this years Champions League. (Getty Images)

Left Attacking Midfielder: Isco (Malaga)

Almost an automatic choice in this team, Isco has taken this season by the scruff of its neck. A genius with the ball at his feet, Isco’s abilities have earned him much praise in the La Liga and Champions League alike. From dropping back to help transition the ball from defence to attack, to providing that all important pass for creating a goal, Isco probably makes a case of being the best player in this side. His dead ball abilities just add to the list of various talents he possesses.

Striker: Luiz Adriano (Shakhtar Donetsk)

He may have become the most hated man in football for a while for his unsporting behaviour, but Adriano is a workhorse in attack. Pressing the opposition defenders, running back to help the midfield when out of possession and generally troubling the backline with his tireless movement, Adriano is about as good a dynamic striker this team could hope for. The Brazilian plays with some real flair and his eye for goal is exceptional.

Substitutes:

Andriy Pyatov (GK) – The Shakhtar keeper had a good outing and deserves his place on the bench.

Jores Okore (CB) – Still in his teens, he single-handedly denied Chelsea and Juventus a combined 6-7 goals over 4 matches.

Guillaume Gillet (RB) – Probably one of few right-backs who’s comfortable on either side of defence, the Belgian international is a very solid deputy in times of need.

Leandro Greco (CM) – Held his own against the technical experts of Barcelona and still managed to not be caught out of position, only Wanyama’s brilliance keeps him out of the first 11.

Willian (LW/RW) – Definitely the best winger on the team. The only reason for Willian to be on the bench is Christian Eriksen.

Siem De Jong (CAM) – Very versatile attacking midfielder who is as comfortable on the flanks as he is down the centre, De Jong provides a brilliant option from the bench.

Georgios Samaras (ST) – Probably the most surprising name on the sheet, but the Greek international, who worked tirelessly in front of goal, deserves his spot on the bench.

So that’s it then. If anybody has any contrasting opinions, please do share them in the comments section!