UEFA Champions League 2022/23: Team of the Season

The 2022/23 UEFA Champions League campaign came to an end this past weekend, with Man City crowned as champions of Europe for the first time in their history. Pep Guardiola’s side also became the second English side to win the treble after they beat Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul. We’ve selected our 2022/23 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season.

GK: Andre Onana (Inter)

Even though Onana couldn’t help Inter win the competition, he played a huge role in them reaching the final. The 27-year-old kept more clean sheets (8) and made more saves (47) than any other goalkeeper in the competition. His distribution was also impressive. He makes our team ahead of Thibaut Courtois and Man City’s Ederson.

LB: Federico Dimarco (Inter)

Inter’s Federico Dimarco came close to levelling the score in last weekend’s final as his header was inadvertently blocked by his teammate Romelu Lukaku. Despite being a left wing-back, he trailed only Kevin De Bruyne and Vinicius Junior in the assists charts in the 2022/23 campaign.

CB: Ruben Dias (Man City)

Ruben Dias is the first of five Man City players in our Team of the Season. The Portuguese international was imperious for Man City once again this season and is slowly becoming one of the best and most consistent defenders in the world. Dias was crucial in setting City on the front foot from defence, finishing third for passes per game (79.5) and second for pass success rate (95.1%) in the competition, according to WhoScored.com.

CB: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)

The young Italian centre-back helped the Nerazzurri to 9 clean sheets in the competition. He’s been an integral part of Inter’s defence since signing for the club in 2017, and this season was no different.

RB: Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)

Giovanni Di Lorenzo was a key player for the Italian champions this season, in all competitions. In the Champions League, he was directly involved in four goals (2 goals & 2 assists). Napoli were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the competition when it looked like they had what it takes to reach the final.

CM: Rodri (Man City)

Apart from his usual role of shielding the defence and dictating the play from midfield, Rodri scored two important goals in his side’s UCL campaign, a stunning goal in the final and an even more impressive goal against Bayern in the quarter-finals.

CM: Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

Despite being forced off through injury in his second Champions League final appearance in a row, Kevin De Bruyne had a fantastic tournament and was a key player for Pep Guardiola’s side. His Champions League-high of seven assists was also coupled with some crucial goals, including a great strike against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu to earn a crucial draw.

CM: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Even though Bayern Munich were knocked out at the quarterfinal stage, Joshua Kimmich played a crucial part in Bayern’s early success in the competition. They won 8 of the first 8 games in this year’s edition, with Kimmich contributing in both attack and defence.

LF: Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

The Brazilian is growing with every season and is becoming one of the best players in the world. His 7 goals and 6 assists in the competition weren’t enough to win another Champions League medal but they were enough to get into our team of the season. He also completed more dribbles (47) than any other player.

RF: Bernardo Silva (Man City)

This was the toughest decision of the lot, with several candidates but Bernardo Silva gets the nod for his consistent performances for the Citizens. The Portuguese scored three goals and provided 1 assist, including a crucial brace against Real Madrid in the 2nd leg of their semi-final tie.

CF: Erling Haaland (Man City)

The Norwegian has had a fantastic season in all competitions. He ended the tournament as the top scorer, with 12 goals and helped Man City to their first-ever Champions League crown. Some would argue that he’s done enough to win the Ballon d’Or.