After the first four matches of the Champions League Round of 16, we’ve picked out a handful of standout footballers based on five different categories: The Gamechanger (MVP), The Finisher (scorer of many/jaw-dropping goals), The Playmaker (creator of goals/chances), The Protector (standout defender) and The Stopper (top goalkeeper).
Here are our five selections from Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s matches, including a must-see goal for Real Madrid and a masterclass performance against an appalling Arsenal.
THE GAMECHANGER
Angel Di Maria, Paris Saint-Germain
On his 29th birthday, Di Maria led his team to what is likely to be the Round of 16’s most shocking upset, a 4-0 win over Barcelona in Paris.
The Argentinian celebrated in style with a pair a scintillating long-range goals, the first from a free kick that set the tone for the match and the second — PSG’s third — to put the game out of reach.
The brace continues an incredible run of form for Di Maria with the French side, which has not lost when the midfielder scores.
THE FINISHER
Casemiro, Real Madrid
There were a handful of truly great goals in the opening matches of the Round of 16, but the Spaniard’s stunner against Napoli took the cake.
Real Madrid were able to come back after falling behind in the eighth minute thanks to a Lorenzo Insigne goal misplayed by Keylor Navas. Karim Benzema pulled the home side even just 10 minutes later, Toni Kroos gave Madrid the lead early in the second half, and Casemiro’s cracker ensured Real heads to Italy with a crucial two-goal lead for the second leg.
The 24-year-old midfielder had game-leading seven interceptions, added three tackles and completed nearly 90 per cent of his passes, but it’s his goal that will be remembered.
THE PLAYMAKER
Thiago Alcântara, Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich dominated Arsenal in every sense of the word in a 5-1 win. To say the German side embarrassed the Gunners would be kind.
And while Arjen Robben was in vintage form and Robert Lewandowski was as dangerous as ever, it was Thiago who was the best player on the pitch. The 25-year-old Spaniard was an undeniable force in the middle of the field.
Thiago’s masterclass only further illuminated the dreadful display from Arsenal.
Barring a miracle, the second leg in North London is a mere formality, and Bayern in Wednesday’s form may be the team to watch as the knockout rounds progress.
THE PROTECTOR
Thomas Meunier, PSG
Shutting out Barcelona is nearly as impressive as scoring four goals on the Catalan side.
PSG’s defenders did a spectacular job of slowing a normally deadly Barca, and the Belgian fullback was the best of the bunch. Meunier had eight total tackles, seven clearances and an interception, completing 43 passes at an 88.4 per cent clip and even chipped in with a do-everything-but-score assist on the fourth goal.
Manager Unai Emery will need more of the same stout defending (and playmaking, for that matter) in what is sure to be a hostile second leg at the Camp Nou in which you can guarantee Barcelona will believe they can make up the difference.
THE STOPPER
Ederson Moraes, Benfica
Benfica was able to secure a crucial 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, and it wouldn’t have been without the goalkeeping heroics of the young Brazilian.
https://twitter.com/BS_Video/status/831861876971732993
By all accounts, Dortmund dominated the game with nearly 70 per cent possession and five shots on target to Benfica’s one. But Ederson stood tall with a handful of saves, almost all of them difficult.
[relatedlinks]
