Top 5 defenders who can influence UEFA Champions League Quarter-Finals
There’s a famous saying in football – “Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.” With the Champions League entering its final few rounds, it will be the defenders who’ll go a long way to deciding which team wins the competition.
This season, we have already seen some remarkable performances from defenders. While some dug deep to bail their team out, others pitched in with decisive goals and assists. Let us take a look at five defenders who are expected to influence the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals.
#1 Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Alphonso Davies has averaged 2.2 tackles per game in the UCL
Over the years, Alphonso Davies has proved himself to be a key cog in Bayern’s system. The Canadian international fits Bayern’s explosive football and regularly pops up with important contributions at both ends of the pitch. The full-back loves to use his pace to get through the thirds and whip in dangerous crosses into the box. He is also a relentless workhorse, capable of pressing his opponents right until the final whistle.
Yet to find the back of the net, the 21-year-old already has two assists in the UEFA Champions League this season. Averaging 2.2 tackles per game and 1.2 interceptions per game whilst defending, the left-back also averages an impressive 1.2 key passes while attacking. He will be a vital asset for the Bayern team who are looking for their first UCL win since 2020.
#2 Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Ruben Dias has averaged 1.3 clearances per game
The 2020-21 UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season will look to go an extra mile than what he and his team achieved last season. Ruben Dias is an almost impregnable presence in the back for Manchester City and has been a vital part of the squad this entire season. The 24-year-old has been rock-solid for City in their heart of defense, averaging 1.5 tackles per game and 1.3 clearances per game.
City faces a tough fixture against Atletico Madrid, which is set to mark the first-ever competitive meeting between the two sides. Therefore, the Portuguese will need to be on top of his game and recreate his form from last season.
#3 Virgil van Djik (Liverpool)
Virgil Van Djik has averaged 3.4 clearances per game
The Dutchman Virgil Van Djik missed almost the entirety of the 2020-21 season and the Euros with an ACL injury and Liverpool struggled without their talismanic centre-back and were eventually knocked out of the competition by Real Madrid last term.
However, the Dutchman is now back at the heart of the Reds’ defence and has impressed all with his top-notch performance. He has in fact averaged 2 interceptions per game in the Champions League while also averaging 3.4 clearances per game. He will be crucial to the club’s efforts for a seventh continental title. Liverpool is set to play a tricky fixture against SL Benfica but should be favourites to go through with the Dutchman back at his best.
#4 Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Joao Cancelo has registered two goals in three assists in the UCL this term
Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo has been the most impressive defender in the Champions League this term. The Portuguese full-back has tracked back religiously and rarely allowed the opposition to dribble past him. Cancelo featured in all but two UEFA Champions League games this season.
In his six games, Cancelo registered two goals and three assists. Interestingly, all three assists came in one match – in the 4-1 win over Club Brugge on UEFA Champions League matchday four. The 27-year-old has averaged 1.3 tackles per game and has an interception rate of mighty 2.8 per game.
Further, he has a mind-boggling 86.2% of pass success rate. A favourite of Pep Guardiola’s, the former Juventus star is enjoying his prime years at the highest level and will be an all-important player for the Citizens who are aiming to register their maiden Champions League title this term.
#5 Eder Militao (Real Madrid)
Eder Militao has been remarkable for Real Madrid this term
Despite Real Madrid shipping two of their most dependable central defenders in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane at the start of the season, they haven’t lapsed defensively with Eder Militao stepping up to the task of leading the Los Blancos backline valiantly.
The young Brazilian has remarkably improved upon his performances from last season, looking calmer and more collected than ever before. He has in fact had an impressive 2.4 tackles per game while also having 2.3 interceptions per game.
Talking about clearances, the 24-years-old has averaged 2.1 clearances per game and 1.3 blocks every match. With such type of performance, Madrid would be assured of doing good against defending champions Chelsea in the quarters.