CL Best XI (Oct. 20-21)
Goalkeeper: Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow)
Despite being on the losing side Akinfeev kept his team close with Manchester United testing him eight times and only finding the net once. The Russian international is a top-class keeper and denied the likes of Berbatov Valencia a number of times.
Centre-Back: Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla FC)
Squillaci has plenty of Champions League experience and is will be an important part of Sevilla’s side if they want to make a run. He scored two goals against Stuttgart while holding the Germans to just one.
Centre-Back: Roman Sharonov (FK Rubin Kazan)
The Russian defender anchored a very well organized defensive system against Barcelona. He did not make any mistakes in the game and limited the free-scoring Catalans to one goal at home.
Left Back: Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Cole ran rampant along the left and had a helper in Chelsea’s 4-0 thrashing of Atletico Madrid. The Englishman is in excellent form for the Blues and seems to be thriving under Carlo Ancelotti.
Right Back: Lasha Salukvadze (FK Rubin Kazan)
Yet another defender from Rubin Kazan, Salukvadze was able to render the young Spanish starlet, Pedro, ineffective. While maybe not as difficult as Messi or Ibrahimovich Salukvadze intercepted passes and provided an offensive threat down his wing all game.
Right Midfielder: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
It was the first game that United fans got to see what all the fuss was about. Valencia was a danger to Moscow’s backline all game and scored the only goal.
Centre Midfielder: Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)
Pirlo’s long-range strike tied the game and instigated a dramatic finish for coach Leonardo’s side. He was able to limit Kaka and Alonso’s space all game.
Left Midfielder: Salomon Kalou (Chelsea)
Kalou brought Chelsea to the brink of qualification for the next round with his goals on either side of half. The Ivorian took his compatriot, Didier Drogba’s place in the squad and rewarded Ancelotti with two goals.
Left Forward: Alexander Pato (AC Milan)
The Duck has had a disappointing season so far but was able to make up for it with two goals to see Milan beat Madrid thanks to his 88th minute marker. The Brazilian’s speed cause problems for a very shaky Madrid defence.
Centre Forward: Hulk (FC Porto)
Hulk was incredible again.
Right Forward: Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina)
The Romanian striker has been under pressure from his home supporters. His performance against Debreceni is bound to silence some of the critics as he scored twice in the Viola’s thrilling 4-3 victory.
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