Transfermarkt meets Comparisonator: The best XI of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals

Transfermarkt is working with the Comparisonator Football Data Comparison Platform to determine the best player and team performances for TM users. The Comparisonator team has analysed the best players of the 2022/23 Champions League quarter-finals, powered by the Comparisonator Artificial Intelligence Index.

The best XI of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals

Goalkeeper:

Mike Maignan has been an excellent addition to AC Milan since joining from Lille in the summer of 2021. In the Champions League quarter-final tie, he kept one clean sheet, having made nine saves including one penalty save, boasting a save percentage of 90%. Maignan has shown good distribution and a commanding presence in his area, making him a reliable shot-stopper.

Centre-back:

Rúben Dias has been an exceptional performer for Manchester City this season, both in the Premier League and Champions League. He won unchallenged balls 16 times, as well as 100% of his tackles, and made 19 ball recoveries in his own half and six ball recoveries in his own box. Dias has also shown his prowess in challenges, winning 80% of his ground duels.

Centre-back:

Francesco Acerbi has been a rock at the back for Inter Milan this season, contributing to their solid defence in the Champions League. He made 40 successful defensive actions, won 100% of his tackles, and contributed to three successful offside decisions in two games. Acerbi was also a key player in Inter’s build-up play and won 92% of his challenges.

Right-back:

Giovanni di Lorenzo has been a consistent performer for Napoli this season, contributing defensively and offensively. He was also the best right-back in the group stages according to the Comparisonator AI Index. He had 14 ball recoveries in his own half, blocked one shot, and provided one successful key pass, 37 successful passes into the final third and five successful passes into the opponent’s box. He is also adept at carrying the ball forward, which makes him a valuable attacking option for his team.

Left-back:

Eduardo Camavinga has been a revelation for Real Madrid. The player born in 2002 played both UEFA Champions League quarter-final games against Chelsea. He made 13 recoveries, won 67% of his tackles, and completed 88% of his passes in these two games. Camavinga has also shown his abilities on the attack with 67% successful dribbles and six successful attacking actions.

Defensive midfielder:

Rodri has been an integral part of Manchester City’s success in the Champions League this season. He scored one goal with his left foot from one shot on target. The Spaniard played a vital role in protecting his team’s defence, making 18 recoveries, ten interceptions and won 19 unclaimed balls and 88% of his tackles in two games. He is also excellent in challenges, having won 20 duels out of 28.

Central midfielder:

Federico Valverde has been a standout performer for Real Madrid this season, contributing both defensively and offensively. The Uruguay international set up two shots resulting in one assist, completed eight successful dribbles out of eight attempts, four successful key passes and 43 successful passes into the final third of the pitch. He made ten ball recoveries, won 16 unclaimed balls and 66% of his challenges.

Central midfielder:

Nicolò Barella has been one of the standout players for Inter Milan this season. He scored two goals, one with his head and one with his left-foot and averaged 0.45xG (expected goals) per goal. Also, he played close to scoring areas and completed 11 passes and four crosses into the opponent’s penalty box. Barella contributed defensively as well, having made five interceptions, and having won 56% of his tackles in two games.

Right winger:

Rodrygo has been a bright spark for Real Madrid this season and contributed two goals in two games, one with left-foot and one with right-foot. The Brazilian created four chances and one pre-assist. He touched the ball nine times in the box and made two successful key passes. Rodrygo averaged 1.56xG and 1.17xA (expected assists).

Left winger:

Vinicius Junior has been in excellent form for Real Madrid this season, having assisted two goals and having created two chances in two games. He has been a constant threat with his pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances, with seven successful dribbles, six key passes and four chances in total.

Centre-forward:

Erling Haaland has been in sensational form against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, having scored two goals and one assist. He has been a dominant force in the opposition’s penalty area, having touched the ball nine times in the box, totalling four shots on target and boasting a shooting accuracy of 57%. Haaland’s physicality, pace, and finishing ability make him one of the most lethal strikers in Europe.