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.
8. Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
Trent Alexander-Arnold has returned to his best this season. His defensive capabilities may be questionable sometimes yet he is an offensive juggernaut. He perfectly fits the Klopp style of football. He is a bonafide presence in the box with the ability to shoot. He has formed a fearful alliance with Mohammed Salah on the right flank.
Trent allows Salah to move infield and dictate the play. He himself often drifts in and out of the wing to torment the opposition. With Liverpool going for a quadruple, Trent has to be at his absolute best.
7. Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Jr. has well and truly come off age this season. His finishing and decision-making have grown leaps and bounds. He torments oppositions with trickery and pace. Defenders have a hard time catching up to him on the left flank. He has formed a deadly partnership with ace Karim Benzema. Their partnership has contributed a staggering 86 goal-scoring plays already. A huge part of Real Madrid’s success can be attributed to Vinicius’ meteoric rise.
Even when he is not scoring, Vini has the ability to impact the play in multiple ways. He is Real Madrid’s best bet on a counterattack. His crosses into the box have improved tremendously. The sheer fact that he can enter the opposition’s box quicker than the defenders themselves is a testimony to his talent and skills. Real Madrid is banking on him to lead them to yet another Champions League.
6. Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
It is easy to overlook Sadio Mane when you have Mo Salah in the same team. However, just when Salah’s form appeared to be cooling down, Mane picked up the mantle. In the big games against City and United, Mane stepped up and produced great performances. He is a threat from the left flank.
His versatility allows him to play all three positions. He is a great header of the ball. Real Madrid would very well know his threat as Mane equalized the score in the 2018 Champions League final. He is a leader as well. He took Senegal to an AFCON Title and a World Cup qualification. Ironically both at the expense of Salah’s Egypt. Salah-Mane’s partnership is looking dangerous as we approach the business end of the season.
5. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Words fall short when describing Luka Modric. At 36 years old, he is often head and shoulders above everyone on the football field. He can produce moments of magic that can turn a match on its head. His outside-of-the-foot pass against Chelsea is a piece of art. He is the best midfielder of his generation.
When the chips were down against PSG and Chelsea, Modric stepped up. There are 3 matches to win to claim an unprecedented 14th Champions League title. Trust Luka Modric to give his blood and sweat in the pursuit of glory.
4. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)
After a disastrous start to his Real Madrid career, Thibaut Courtois can lay claim to being the best goalkeeper in the world for the past 2 seasons. He is currently one of the best shot-stoppers, and his ball distribution has grown leaps and bounds.
Real Madrid would require similar rearguard action from Courtois if they are to win the competition. His major challenge will come against Manchester City which presses high. Courtois will have to be at his absolute best inside the 30-yard box to thwart City’s incessant pressure.
3. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
KDB is Manchester City’s best player. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. Under Pep Guardiola he has turned into one of the best all-round players. He is a complete midfielder. KDB is in his prime and would be gunning for a maiden Champions League title.
Despite injuries early on this season, KDB has produced moments of brilliance when it has mattered the most. Real Madrid’s midfield has to be at its best if they are to tackle KDB’s influence on the game. They do not have pleasant memories of playing against him as in the 2019-2020 season, he ran over the KCM midfield.
2. Mohammed Salah (Liverpool)
Egyptian prince Mohammed Salah has been a revelation this season for Liverpool. Even though he racks up incredible numbers every season, this time has been a clutch player for a Liverpool side in search of a quadrupole.
Although his form has cooled off a bit over the last month his impact goes beyond numbers. Even though he did not score any goal in either of the two matches against City this month, he was critical to Liverpool’s attack in every sense.
He had to come off after an injury against Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League Final. Next season he delivered on his promise and won the Champions League for the English club. Liverpool has all to play for as they aim for four trophies. Will he carry his form and be the clutch player and stake claim for an elusive Ballon D’Or.
1. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid’s savior, Bernabeu’s hero, and a striker par excellence, Karim Benzema is undisputedly the number one player in the world. The things that he does on the football field are inexplicable. He has scored two back-to-back hattricks against PSG and Chelsea respectively to lead Real Madrid into yet another Semi-Finals of the Champions League. If Real Madrid is to have any shot at an unprecedented 14th Champions League title, then Karim Benzema has to be at the top of his game and there is no doubt among the Real Madrid fans regarding that.
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Having already won a Supercopa at the start of this season and the Nations League trophy with France and on course to a LaLiga title, Karim Benzema is the front-runner to win the Ballon D’or this season. He is 12 goals away from 50 in all competitions this season. And you can bet on King Karim to go all-in for that figure with the form he is in.