The 10 Best Players in the 2023/24 Champions League Based on Stats

Highlights

•  The Champions League group stage has now concluded, with 10 players standing out because of their Whoscored ratings.
•  Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid has been exceptional in the Champions League with four goals and four assists, giving him the highest rating of 8.11.
•  Julian Alvarez, often overshadowed by Erling Haaland, beats his Man City teammate to a place in the top 10, recording an average rating of 8.08.

The twists and turns in this year’s Champions League just keep coming, setting the stage for some thrilling quarter-final and semi-final showdowns. The round of 16 saw nail-biting penalty shootouts, with a number of top contenders making it through to the next phase.

In the upcoming fixtures, we have matchups like Real Madrid taking on defending champions Manchester City, while Arsenal faces off against old rivals Bayern Munich, spearheaded by the prolific Harry Kane. As always, as teams advance in the competition, they’ll rely on their key players to step up and lead them towards glory.

Speaking of standout performers, NaijaSport247 has analyzed stats from Whoscored to identify the top talents in this season’s Champions League so far. These rankings consider in-game performance and average ratings, highlighting the players who will be crucial in their teams’ quest for the coveted trophy.

1. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Average Rating: 8.11

When Real Madrid snagged Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, it didn’t exactly shock anyone. But now, months later, he’s proving all the doubters wrong. This young talent from Stourbridge has seamlessly settled into life in Spain and is making his mark on the European stage.

In just over 530 minutes of Champions League play, the 20-year-old has notched up an impressive four goals and four assists. Now, Real Madrid is gearing up to challenge Manchester City for the top spot in this season’s tournament. As fans eagerly await the showdown between these giants, you can bet Bellingham will be giving it his all to knock out the reigning champions.

2. Julian Alvarez (Manchester City)

Average Rating: 8.08

Despite often being in the shadow of his teammate Erling Haaland, the Argentine player for Manchester City, Julian Alvarez, has left his mark on the tournament. Despite only playing for 245 minutes so far, he’s managed to score five goals and provide two assists, with his standout moment being a beautiful goal against RB Leipzig in October.

With an impressive overall rating of 8.08, Alvarez is eager to continue contributing under Pep Guardiola as the tournament progresses. It’s quite astonishing that he’s only started twice this season, but it speaks volumes about the quality performances he’s delivered despite limited playing time.

3. Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Average Rating: 7.92

Phil Foden, hailing from Stockport, is making waves alongside his teammate Alvarez, landing them both in the top 3. Foden’s seven goal contributions, with four goals and three assists, speak volumes about his skill. While players like Haaland often steal the limelight, it’s players like Foden who quietly propel City’s remarkable success.

In the recent round of 16, the small-statured playmaker notched two goals and an assist, highlighting his ability to shine on the grandest stages. And with City’s upcoming quarter-final clash at the Bernabeu, Foden will undoubtedly be eager to make his mark on one of the biggest stages in football.

4. Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Average Rating: 7.90

Gabriel Martinelli, a key member of Arsenal’s attacking force alongside his teammates, has been making waves at the Emirates Stadium during this Champions League campaign. While his three goals in four games might not seem staggering when compared to some others, it’s his performance in other areas that truly stands out.

Martinelli is among the top performers in dribbling this season, averaging 4.5 successful dribbles per game, which is no small feat. Moreover, his clinical finishing is evident, with his expected goals (xG) for the tournament standing at a mere 1.1. Although there’s more he’ll undoubtedly want to contribute, Martinelli has already proven his mettle on the grand stage of European football.

5. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

Average Rating: 7.79

Vinicius Jr, the hero of Real Madrid’s previous European victory, is proving once again why he’s considered one of the most thrilling talents worldwide in this season’s tournament. Even though he’s let Bellingham take the spotlight, he hasn’t merely faded into the background. With three goals and two assists in five matches, the Brazilian winger has been right there alongside his English counterpart. Both of them will play crucial roles as Madrid aims to overcome the formidable challenge of Manchester City in the upcoming quarter-finals in April.

6. João Cancelo (Barcelona)

Average Rating: 7.79

Finally, we have a defender to talk about! There was a lot of chatter about João Cancelo leaving Manchester City on loan last summer, especially since he spent the second half of the 2022/23 season at Bayern Munich. He’s often considered one of the top defenders globally, so his unexpected decline under Pep Guardiola left fans and experts scratching their heads.

But this season with Barcelona, especially in European competitions, Cancelo has stepped up his game. As a former player for Juventus and Inter Milan, he’s now showing an even stronger performance, not just defensively but also in his attacking moves. He’s boasting an impressive 89% pass success rate, making him a significant threat both offensively and defensively. Barcelona will heavily rely on him to maintain his defensive prowess while also contributing creatively in their upcoming quarter-final match against PSG.

7. Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)

Average Rating: 7.73

As it stands, Kylian Mbappe seems to be gearing up for his final run with PSG in Madrid. He’s become the team’s main beacon of hope in their pursuit of European glory. It’s been the dream ever since the club changed hands back in 2011, but they’ve stumbled at different points along the way.

There’s a strong possibility Mbappe will bid PSG adieu once his contract expires, but he’s clearly determined to make his exit a memorable one. Currently sharing the top spot for goals in the top 10, with six goals in eight matches, he’s leaving no stone unturned. And with a potentially favorable draw against Barcelona in the quarterfinals, Mbappe and his teammates are aiming to assert their dominance on their journey to the top.

8. Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)

Average Rating: 7.85

Atletico Madrid’s pulse, Antoine Griezmann, continues to showcase his exceptional talent. Even at 32, he remains the focal point around which all plays revolve, a key factor in Diego Simeone’s team topping Group E without a single loss, with Griezmann contributing five goals.

Griezmann’s versatility has been invaluable to Atletico Madrid, especially in this season’s Champions League campaign. He recently added another goal to his collection in the victory over last year’s runners-up, Inter Milan, in a match decided by penalties. With Borussia Dortmund up next, Atletico’s leading goal scorer will surely be eager to lead his team into the semifinals.

9. Mikel Merino (Real Sociedad)

Average Rating: 7.67

It might come as a surprise, but the latest addition to the roster won’t be taking part in the quarterfinals. That said, if you’ve been following Real Sociedad’s journey in Europe closely, this won’t be news to you. Mikel Merino has been a key player for Imanol Alguacil’s team in the 2023/24 Champions League campaign, where they topped Group D, ahead of Inter Milan, Benfica, and RB Salzburg.

The Spanish midfielder has contributed with two goals and an assist, but there’s much more to appreciate about Merino’s game than just his scoring record. A vital presence in Sociedad’s midfield, the 27-year-old excelled in winning aerial duels, averaging 6.43 per game, and he only missed one match throughout the group stage.

10. Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Average Rating: 7.67

Bukayo Saka is like the shining star of Arsenal. He’s been carrying that title since he first joined the senior team, and he really showed what he’s made of when they got back into the Champions League. He led the team to the top of Group B.

With three goals and four assists, Saka has played a massive role in Arsenal’s progress. He’s basically one of the main reasons they’re heading into the quarter-finals. As they prepare to face Bayern Munich, the toughest challenge yet, Arsenal fans are counting on Saka and his talents to help them through. He’s definitely destined to become a legend for the club.