Champions League 2023-24: Team of the Group stage

It was an entertaining Champions League group stage with several notable individual performances. 

The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage concluded recently with the last round of matches delivering more high-octane action. Huge stakes were on the line in each fixture as clubs desperately attempted to secure qualification into the knockout stages of the continental showpiece. This is when players with an elite mentality come forth and showcase their exceptional quality.

Plenty of high-profile players delivered sensational performances for their respective clubs across the group stages to help them secure qualification. There were the usual figures expected to dominate and some individuals who surprised the world with their consistently superb displays. 

As the focus shifts towards the Round of 16, here is a look back at the star performers from the 2023-24 group stages who make up Khel Now’s UEFA Champions League Team of the Group Stage:

Formation – 4-4-2

GK – Yan Sommer (Inter Milan)

Several goalkeepers came forth to deliver excellent performances in the group stages but Yan Sommer was in a league of his own. The new arrival at Inter Milan filled Andre Onana’s shoes and carved his own place in the hearts of the fans of the Serie A outfit. He kept three clean sheets and finished the group stage with a 90% save percentage.

RB – Joao Cancelo (FC Barcelona)

Joao Cancelo was one of the most consistent performers in the FC Barcelona lineup. He scored once and also recorded an assist during the five appearances in the group stage. He made 10 interceptions and 16 tackles for the La Liga giants, helping them navigate past Group H.

CB – Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)

One would think Mats Hummels would start to become slow due to his advancing age (34) but then one would be wrong. The centre-back was central to Borussia Dortmund making out of the “group of death” that had teams like AC Milan, Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain. He made 25 tackles (most), 15 interceptions (third most) and 28 clearances (highest at BVB) in the group stages.

CB – Igor Zubeldia (Real Sociedad)

Real Sociedad finished the group stages of the 2023-24 UCL with the least goals conceded for any club. The La Liga outfit exceeded all the expectations by conceding only twice. Their defence was led by Igor Zubeldia who deserves a mention in the Team of the Group Stage. The 26-year-old was crucial in helping La Real keep four clean sheets.

LB – David Raum (RB Leipzig)

David Raum is one of the most lethal forward-thinking full-backs in Europe. He showed his qualities for RB Leipzig during the group stages with 15 key passes (most for a defender) and five big chances created (joint top in the group stages). 

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CM – Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Real Sociedad finished as the toppers in Group D and Martin Zubimendi deserved huge credit for this feat. The 24-year-old was integral to the club’s campaign as he provided cover to the defence which conceded two goals and influenced each game from the midfield with his immaculate passing and dribbling capabilities. Elite clubs across Europe are taking notice and may push for his signature shortly.

CM – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Jude Bellingham’s goalscoring feats for Real Madrid are dominating the football conversations globally. The Englishman is enjoying his time with the La Liga giants, having scored 16 goals in 19 overall appearances. He recorded four goals and three assists in the UCL group stages, exceeding any and every expectation of the highly demanding Real Madrid fans.

RW – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Arsenal’s 2023-24 UEFA Champions League group stages were a huge success due to performers like Bukayo Saka pulling out mind-blowing performances. He scored three goals and racked up four assists for the Gunners who topped the Group B.

LW – Wenderson Galeno (FC Porto)

Wenderson Galeno is attracting interest from every Elite club across Europe and for a good reason. The attacking winger consistently performed at a high level for FC Porto, scored four goals and made three assists in Group H, allowing the Portuguese club to secure a qualification spot.

ST – Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Harry Kane was sensational for Bayern Munich in Group A of the UEFA Champions League, helping them secure the top spot with an unbeaten record. The Englishman, playing his first UCL campaign with the Bundesliga outfit, scored four goals and provided three assists.

ST – Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

Erling Haaland scored five goals in the group stages for Manchester City, helping the club cruise into the Round of 16 without losing a single game. He is the joint-top scorer in the competition with five goals and now has 40 goals in 35 Champions League appearances overall. 

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