Ranking the best 15 players in the 2021/22 Champions League so far
7. Vinicius Jr.
In terms of usefulness, 2021/22 is probably the finest season Vinicius Jr has ever had in his career, but when we look at the potential he possesses, he has been tricky and explosive for a long time, which was also the major reason Real Madrid signed him. He has elevated his stature at the Santiago Bernabeu, and when the goals and assists start to trickle in, so does the rationale for his 46 million euro price tag.
Furthermore, Vini is difficult to monitor with or without the ball and being a native of the land of football, Brazil, he carries the Joga Bonito genes deep inside. He is the youthful flag bearer of The Beautiful Game, and his dance with the ball will enchant future generations.
Highlights of the youngster’s wonders have been observed in the Champions League, and his statistics reflect this. Vini’s combination with Karim Benzema has overcome various teams, allowing him to improve his tournament tally to two goals and four assists which have come on a consistent basis.
However, the winger is a step away from breaking into the top five not because he fell short anywhere, but because of the fantasies produced by the upcoming prospects.
6. Thomas Muller
If there is one individual from Bayern Munich or Germany whose contribution to either of his teams goes mostly unrecognized and who deserves greater attention, it is Thomas Muller. The veteran’s consistency throughout the years is something that many people only dream of, but Muller made it a reality.
Back in 2019/20, the midfielder had more assists than anyone else in the Bundesliga in fewer games than Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who had 20 in his tally.
Muller’s quick feet and flexibility to drift into any position on the field make him a scary proposition for opponents, who are frequently caught off guard and quickly defeated by the player.
As a number 10, the 32-year-old is a critical and powerful role in Bayern’s offensive power, and he has a fantastic total of 4 goals and 2 assists in 8 Champions League games this season. He is the guy who is involved in practically every opportunity created or goal scored by the Bundesliga leaders, and while there is much more to his games and engagement than assists and goals, it is mostly what sets him apart.