Champions League XI: The best players in the 2021/22 competition

We now know the two sides that will compete in the 2021/22 Champions League final – Liverpool and Real Madrid.

The two clubs have 19 European Cups between them with Real Madrid looking for their 14th triumph, and Liverpool their seventh.

Given their history in the competition, it’s not too much of a surprise to see either side in the final.

But their passage to the final couldn’t have been more different.

Let’s start with Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were entered into the ‘Group of Death’ but won all six matches against AC Milan, Porto and Atletico Madrid. They were rewarded with a more comfortable run to the final overcoming Inter Milan, Benfica and Villarreal.

As for Real Madrid, they won five of their six group stage matches with a shock home defeat to Moldovan side Sheriff Tiraspol thrown in there. But they’ve produced stunning comebacks in their knockout matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and now Man City.

While Liverpool and Real Madrid have been the two best clubs in this year’s competition by the fact they’ve made it to the final, who have been the best players?

Well, we’ve used WhoScored stats to work out the best XI in the Champions League so far – and only five will feature in the final.

Let’s check it out:

Courtois has kept just four clean sheets in his 12 appearances in the competition this season, conceding 14 goals. However, he’s saved his side on numerous occasions – especially during the knockout stages with big saves at crucial times. It’s worth noting that he’s actually the worst rated player in this XI.

Alexander-Arnold is still only 23-years-old and is set to play in his third Champions League final. The Liverpool right-back has played eight of the 12 games this season, picking up four