Champions League: Top 10 Players by ESPN
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, attracting the best players in the world. Every season, the competition throws up incredible performances, and this year was no exception. ESPN recently released their top 10 players list for the 2022/23 season, highlighting the stars who shone brightest on the biggest stage.
Here are the top 10 players according to ESPN, along with their standout moments and impact on the tournament:
1. Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Haaland's dominance in the Champions League was undeniable. He smashed the tournament's single-season goalscoring record, netting a staggering 12 goals in just 7 games. His incredible strength, speed, and finishing ability made him a nightmare for defenders, consistently putting City ahead of their opponents. He was instrumental in their run to the final, including a hat-trick against RB Leipzig in the Round of 16 and two goals against Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
As the orchestrator of Manchester City's attack, De Bruyne played a pivotal role in their Champions League campaign. His exquisite vision, precise passing, and ability to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates was a spectacle to behold. He delivered multiple assists, including crucial ones in the semi-final against Real Madrid, and was ultimately named the man of the match in the final despite losing to Inter Milan.
3. Rodri (Manchester City)
Rodri's contributions often went unnoticed, but his impact on the pitch was undeniable. The defensive midfielder acted as the glue that held City's midfield together, shielding the back four and providing a crucial outlet for the attackers. His ability to break up opposition attacks, win tackles, and control the tempo of the game was vital to City's success.
4. Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
Despite Real Madrid's early exit from the Champions League, Luka Modric continued to be a force of nature on the pitch. At 37 years old, he defied the odds, showcasing his unparalleled vision, passing range, and control of the game. Modric's ability to dictate the tempo and open up defenses with pinpoint passes remained a threat for any team, highlighting his enduring brilliance.
5. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Vinicius Junior has become a global star, and his performances in the Champions League were nothing short of electrifying. His blistering pace, trickery, and ability to take on defenders made him a constant threat. Vinicius's incredible dribbling skills and clinical finishing were on display throughout the competition, showcasing his burgeoning talent on the world stage.
6. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Mbappé's incredible talent shines brightest on the biggest stage. He was PSG's most potent attacking weapon in the Champions League, scoring vital goals and terrorizing defenses with his speed and dribbling ability. While PSG's campaign ended prematurely, Mbappé's individual brilliance was undeniable, reminding everyone of his status as one of the best players in the world.
7. Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Bellingham's stock continued to rise in the Champions League. The 19-year-old midfielder was a dominant force for Borussia Dortmund, demonstrating his maturity, composure, and ability to control games. Bellingham's energy, tackling prowess, and impressive range of passing were a sight to behold, making him one of the most exciting young talents in the game.
8. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Salah's consistency in the Champions League is remarkable. Despite Liverpool's disappointing campaign, the Egyptian star still produced some breathtaking moments, showcasing his lethal finishing and ability to create chances for himself and his teammates. Salah's contribution was crucial in Liverpool's early stages of the competition, reminding everyone of his status as one of the most prolific goalscorers in the world.
9. Ederson Moraes (Manchester City)
Ederson's exceptional shot-stopping abilities and composure were crucial to Manchester City's success. His ability to command his area, make crucial saves, and start attacks with precise long passes made him a vital part of Pep Guardiola's winning formula. His performances in the knockout stages, including the penalty shootout against Bayern Munich, showcased his nerves of steel and importance to the team.
10. Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)
Gvardiol's performances in the Champions League solidified his status as one of the most promising young defenders in the world. The Croatian's strength, agility, and ability to read the game made him a nightmare for attackers, proving his maturity and leadership qualities beyond his years. He was instrumental in RB Leipzig's impressive run to the Round of 16, showcasing his potential to become one of the best defenders in the world.
This top 10 list highlights the incredible talent and skill on display in the UEFA Champions League. As the competition continues to grow in prestige and importance, these players will continue to be at the forefront of the world's biggest club football competition.
