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Karim Benzema and Trent Alexander Arnold are in News9’s UCL ‘Team of the season’. (Photo Credits: AP)
Real Madrid clinched their 14th Champions League title after edging past Liverpool 1-0 at Stade de France in the finals of the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League. The Reds lost their second final to the Los Blancos in a span of last five years. All the English clubs have a combined 12 trophies, whereas the Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid bagged their 14th in Paris last night. Liverpool could have won their seventh European title because they were a much more dominant side with 24 shots to Real’s four, but Carlo Ancelloti headed Madrid showed resilience at the back and denied all the efforts of the Reds.
Thibaut Courtois stole the show for Los Blancos. The former Chelsea keeper, who felt that he wasn’t given the respect that he deserved back in England, did his best to thwart every effort of Liverpool, to prove his point to the English fans, media, and clubs.
“Back in England, I don’t get enough respect. so, well, I showed it today. I wanted to put some respect on my name there.” These were Courtois’ words after his stupendous performance against English giants Liverpool in the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League final in Paris.
The Belgian keeper made nine vital saves to guide his side to a 1-0 win in the final of the Champions League. His ‘xGOT faced’ of 2.5 is the attestation of the kind of shots that he faced and his role in Real Madrid’s European success this year. After nine saves, his tally moved on to 61 saves throughout the season, setting the record for most saves in Champions League history.
After observing Courtois’ individual brilliance, News9 Sports look at the other eminent players who performed well throughout the season.
Right wingback: Trent Alexander Arnold (Liverpool)
The English international has to be a part of the ‘Team of the season.’ The kind of work he does in the right-wing position is commendable. His progressive dribbles, sharp passes, inch-perfect cross deliveries, defensive actions, and speedy runs make him one of the most decorated wingbacks in European football.
