Where do Real Madrid players rank among the best left in the Champions League?
We are down to the last four teams in the 2021-22 Champions League. After an exhilarating quarter-final round, these teams will battle it out for a place in the final to be held at Le Parc des Princes on May 29. Real Madrid defeated Chelsea in an epic encounter that was full of twists and turns
After a climactic two-legged tie which Real Madrid won by a scoreline of 5-4, they face Manchester City managed by former arch-nemesis Pep Guardiola. Manchester City was embroiled in a high octane clash against Real Madrid’s city rivals Atletico that ended in 1-0 in favor of City. In the other Semi-final bout, Liverpool will be facing giant-killers Villareal who defeated German behemoths Bayern Munich.
Having previously ranked the top 25 players before the start of knockout rounds in February, now it is time to look at the top 10 players that will grace this year’s Semi-finals. So where do the Real Madrid players rank among the best of Europe that are left in the 2021-22 Champions League? Let’s find out.
10. Dani Parejo (Villareal)
Ex-Real Madrid midfielder has been one of the most underrated players in Spain. He was pretty good for Valencia and now is leading this Villareal side in the middle of the park. He is not someone who would grab the headlines but is an indispensable part of Unai Emery’s side who are on a dream Champions League run.
To call Villareal’s Semi-Final qualification a fluke would be utter disrespect to a side that won the Europa League a year ago. Even though Villareal is inconsistent in La Liga, they have caught European giants like Juventus and Bayern off guard. Dani Parejo’s nonchalant pass under pressure set up the winning goal against Bayern. Once again he’ll have to play a pivotal role if Villareal is to beat Liverpool.
9. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Bernardo Silva is such an influential player for Manchester City. His ability to pull strings in the middle allows Pep’s team to play a fluid form of football. He complements KDB and Rodri perfectly often picking up the ball from deep and releasing the attackers in transition. He can dribble, assist, shoot, score and defend making him a complete midfielder.
With players like KDB, Sterling, and Mahrez grabbing the eyeballs, it is easy to look past Bernardo Silva. But he is surely an underrated baller and will be crucial to control the center of the pitch against Luka Modric and co. in City’s all-important clash against Real Madrid.