UCL Team of the Season: Real Madrid Stars Shine but Who Else Makes the Cut?

The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season has officially concluded, with Real Madrid emerging victorious in a thrilling final against Borussia Dortmund, winning 2-0. But beyond the final showdown, which 11 players had the most significant impact throughout the competition? Leveraging Flashscore’s unique player rating system, we have compiled the Champions League Team of the Season, identifying the players with the highest average ratings in each position.

Team of the Season

Goalkeeper

Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid) – 7.6 (average rating)

Despite not featuring in the final against Dortmund, Andriy Lunin played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s journey to their 15th UEFA Champions League title. After Thibaut Courtois suffered a cruciate ligament injury, substitute goalkeeper Kepa also faced an injury just before the fourth group game against Braga. Lunin stepped up and saved a penalty in the sixth minute of that match. The 25-year-old Ukrainian proved to be a dependable deputy during the knockout stages. His standout moment came in the quarter-finals when Real Madrid defeated defending champions Manchester City on penalties, with Lunin’s performance being instrumental.

Defence

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich) – 7.5

For years, there was a debate in Germany about Joshua Kimmich’s best position: should he play as a midfielder or a full-back? This season, he definitively answered that question. Kimmich compensated for his lack of pace with intelligent positioning and a strong attacking presence. Covering 145.6 kilometers, he was the player who ran the most in the entire competition, demonstrating his incredible work rate and stamina.

Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund) – 7.5

Mats Hummels had a remarkable season, playing every minute of Dortmund’s Champions League campaign at the age of 35. His defensive stats were impressive: 120 ball recoveries, 66 clearances, and a 65 percent tackle success rate. Although Dortmund fell short in the final, Hummels’ performance throughout the tournament was outstanding.

Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) – 7.5

Josko Gvardiol primarily played as a left-back for Manchester City this season, catching the eye with his goal-scoring prowess both domestically and internationally. In the Champions League, he scored one goal and provided an assist in six matches. However, his primary role as a defender was highlighted by his 38 ball recoveries and a passing accuracy of 94.84 percent. Unfortunately for City, they were knocked out by the eventual champions, Real Madrid.

Joao Cancelo (Barcelona) – 7.6

Barcelona had long been searching for a dynamic full-back who could contribute both defensively and offensively, and Joao Cancelo fit that role perfectly during his loan spell this season. His performance helped Barcelona reach the quarter-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by PSG. Whether Cancelo will stay with the Catalan giants beyond the summer remains uncertain.

Midfield

Rodri (Manchester City) – 8.2

Rodri continued to be a phenomenon in midfield for Manchester City. Despite their quarter-final exit to the eventual champions Real Madrid, Rodri’s passing accuracy was extraordinary this season, completing 91.3 percent of his 932 passes. His ability to control the game from the midfield was a key asset for City throughout the competition.

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) – 7.9

In his debut season with Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham made an immediate impact. The 20-year-old Englishman scored four goals and provided five assists in the Champions League. His performance in the final against his former club, Dortmund, was particularly noteworthy. The hefty transfer fee of 103 million euros for Bellingham proved to be a sound investment for Madrid.

Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad) – 7.7

Real Sociedad was one of the surprise teams of the autumn, finishing the group stage ahead of favorites Inter Milan. However, they were knocked out by PSG in the round of 16. Mikel Merino was the undisputed leader in Sociedad’s midfield. The Spanish international scored two goals in seven appearances and had a passing accuracy of 78 percent, making him a standout performer for his team.

Attack

Phil Foden (Manchester City) – 8.2

Phil Foden made significant strides in his development this season. With Kevin De Bruyne out injured for a long period, Foden took on the role of City’s playmaker. He continued to pose a significant threat in the attacking third, scoring five goals and providing three assists in the Champions League. His versatility and creativity were crucial for City.

Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) – 8.0

At 33 years old, Antoine Griezmann defied expectations to become one of the standout players of the season. Leading Atletico Madrid to the quarter-finals, where they were eventually eliminated by Dortmund, Griezmann scored six goals. His experience and skill were vital for Atletico throughout the tournament.

Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid) – 7.9

Vinicius Junior, at just 23, has already won his second Champions League title. Similar to his first title win in 2022, the young winger scored the decisive goal in the final. With six goals, five assists, and 80 successful dribbles, Vinicius had an exceptional season, solidifying his status as one of the top talents in world football.

Summary

This season’s UEFA Champions League was filled with remarkable performances and thrilling matches. Real Madrid’s victory over Borussia Dortmund to secure their 15th title was the highlight, but many players across different teams made significant contributions throughout the competition. From Andriy Lunin’s crucial saves for Real Madrid to Phil Foden’s creative prowess for Manchester City, these players left an indelible mark on the tournament. This Team of the Season, determined by Flashscore’s unique player rating system, showcases the best of the best from the 2023/24 Champions League.