Ranking the 25 best players left in the 2021/22 Champions League

10. Real Madrid CM Luka Modric

36-year-old Luka Modric is running circles around the oppositions with utter nonchalance. His impact goes way beyond the statistics. Along with Kroos and Casemiro, he forms a midfield that is still regarded as the best in the world. The only apprehension is the fatigue factor that will come into play at the fag end of the season. Can he keep up the pace till the very end?

9. Bayern Munich FW Thomas Muller

The raumdeuter Thomas Muller possesses a very simple game. Run into empty spaces and set up teammates in front of the goal. Doing that he has already 17 assists this season. He is an unassuming player who often steps up at the biggest of the stages.

8. Manchester City CM Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is a reflection of Manchester City’s fortunes in the Champions League. Unbeatable throughout the season yet fails at the biggest of the stages. He had to leave the field in tears in the last season’s final. Will he step up to take City one step further this time?

7. PSG AM Lionel Messi

Messi may have switched bases yet his rivalry with Real Madrid is set to continue. He hasn’t found life easy in Paris. He has struggled to get on the scoresheet in Ligue1 yet his European form has been solid. It may not be the 2009 version of Messi but discount him at your peril.

6. Real Madrid LW Vinicius Junior

Young star Vinicius Junior has come of age this season. He has formed a deadly duo with Karim Benzema. His trickery and explosiveness could turn out to be the game-changer in big games. He will be expected to extend his incredible performances in the knockout stages and deliver a European title.