The UEFA Champions League for the 2018/19 season produced some fascinating displays with teams scoring with reckless abandon and fans cheering in their loudest voice. Interestingly, Premier League sides, Liverpool and Tottenham are set to meet in the finals in Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid after incredible comebacks. The Reds pulled a miraculous comeback against Barcelona while Spurs pipped Ajax in an epic encounter on Wednesday night.
We have identified players who pulled off top-notch performance for their respective teams over in both legs. The selected players are drafted into a twisted conventional 4-3-3 formation which is 4-2-1-3.
Here are the players that made it into our team of the week:
1. Alisson Becker (Liverpool) GK: The Brazilian international was unlucky in the first leg against Barcelona as he could do a little to stop all the three goals from the Catalans. Suarez opening goal was crowned by a Messi's tap-in and a stunning freekick.
The former AS Roma shot-stopper redeemed himself in the second leg as he kept a clean sheet in Liverpool's historic comeback win against the La Liga giants.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) RB: Arnold was instrumental for Jurgen Klopp's side against Barcelona after a wonderful display in Anfield. The England international missed the first leg at Camp Nou but was one of the reasons why Liverpool are in the finals.
Two assists from the 20-year old gave the Merseyside Reds a 4-0 win over Barcelona.
3. Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) LB: He put up a good show in both legs of the game against Barcelona but was substituted in the second leg after a clash with Luis Suarez. The Scotland Captain was on playable atimes on the left side and owned it like a boss.
4. Mattijs De Ligt (Ajax) CB: Arguably the best young centre back in world football and he showed it over two legs against Tottenham scoring an early goal at Johan Cruyff stadium but ended up being on the losing side.
de Ligt showed why he is linked with virtually every top side in the world with goals against Juventus and Spurs in the second leg semi final of the UEFA Champions League.
5. Joel Matip (Liverpool) CB: One of the star performer for Liverpool against Barcelona, the Cameroonian international stood like a wall in the heart of defence as they kept a valuable clean sheet against Messi and his pairs in the second leg comeback at Anfield.
6. Georginio Wijnaldum (Liverpool) CMF: He was used out of position in the first leg against Barcelona and it showed in his performance but a comeback for Liverpool wouldn't have been possible if not for the Dutchman as his two goals in the second leg put the Reds in the finals for the second year in a role.
8. Lionel Messi (Barcelona) AMF: Barcelona are out of the Champions League but Messi was instrumental for the team in both legs scoring two goals at Camp Nou. He scored a stunning long range free-kick in the first leg.
9. Hakim Ziyech (Ajax) LWF: The Moroccan was unlucky that his team didn't make it to the finals as most of his chances hits the woodwork.
He scored a stunning strike in the first half after a wonderful setup from Dusan Tadic.
10. Divock Origi (Liverpool) CF: An early goal from the Belgian gave Liverpool the right ginger in the second leg against Barcelona.
The 24-year old striker completed the comeback as he pounced on a clever Alexander Arnold's corner in the 80th minute.
11. Lucas Moura (Tottenham) RWF: The main reason Tottenham will be playing against Liverpool in UEFA Champions League final in Madrid is just because Moura.
The Brazilian international took it upon himself as he made the second leg tie away from home his own by scoring all the three goals that put his team in the finals.
TEAM OF THE ROUND
Let’s have your comment on this and tell us the player who should have made the list.
By: Abiola Raphael Olumide
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