Champions League Team of The Season 2009-10

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

To conclude another breathtaking, emotional and unbelievable 2009-10 Champions League, it’s time to select the 11 players who have been brilliant and consistent throughout the campaign to feature in the Champions League Team of The Season.

Júlio César (Inter Milan): A world class goalkeeper, one of the key pillars of Inter. He produced dozens of saves in beautiful Brazilian style and kept Inter alive in the competition. What would José do without him?

Maicon (Inter Milan): Pace, height and strength. What more do you need from a right back? Maicon has been subliminal throughout the European campaign and no defender has been able to match his level. Has he stolen Dani Alves’ place as the right back for Brazil?

Lúcio (Inter Milan): A solid rock at the back. Lúcio defended the likes of Drogba, Olic and Ibrahimovic and always managed to keep them quiet with his outstanding displays. Lúcio is an efficient player and rarely losing a physical battle. His presence, influence and voice are always felt.

Piqué (Barcelona): The young centre back plays like an experienced 34 year old. Piqué is continuously developing, this year we saw him leading the Barça defence and driving the team forward. For many years Piqué will be regarded as one of the best and may even transform into a striker if he continues to score like he did against Inter.

Zanetti (Inter Milan): At the age of 36 Il Trattore is not running out of gas. He played in all the Champions League games, most of the time as a left back and was impassable. The captain and leader finally lifted the trophy he desired 15 years later.

Toulalan (Lyon): Lyon enjoyed their best Champions League performance ever, they reached the semi-finals. Toulalan played an essential role; the defensive midfielder is the spine of the team and keeps the team compact and functioning as a unit. His class and strength have proven that he is a top player.

Fàbregas (Arsenal): Arsenal’s pioneer, Cesc is the driving force and led the young team to the quarter-finals. He is highly influential and pulls all the strings, plus he netted 4 goals. Arsenal wouldn’t be the same team without him and he’ll continue to shine in Europe for many years to come.

Sneijder (Inter Milan): Inter’s brain, a true number 10. He scores goals, links the midfield to the defence and produces passes which nobody else could think of. Sneijder created Milito’s first goal in the final and continuously drove the team forward. After being labelled as a ‘Madrid Reject’, the Dutch ace has proven all the critics wrong.

Messi (Barcelona): An irreplaceable figure. The best player in the world enjoyed another prolific Champions League and was crowned as the top scorer for the second year running, scoring 8 goals. His most memorable match was the 4 goals he scored against Arsenal in the quarter final second leg. The Argentinian star rarely under-performs in Europe and is a constant headache for defenders.

Milito (Inter Milan): After scoring the goal which won Inter the Serie A, Diego Milito’s struck two past Bayern which crowned Inter kings of Europe 45 years later. 11 matches played, 6 goals scored; Milito is a clinical finisher who always scores in the important matches. Has his performances earned him a starting place in for Argentina at the World Cup?

Robben (Bayern Munich): The Dutch wizard played some of his best football in the Champions League. After departing from Real Madrid last season, Robben has made a huge impact for the Bavarians. He is the key danger man and drove the team forward, especially with his sublime come backs against Fiorentina and Manchester United. In the final he was Bayern’s most active and dangerous man.

Every team needs a manager, every team wants to be champions, the manager of this team could only be José Mourinho. Who else would it have been? The Portuguese manager has proven that he is a tactical mastermind and built a Champions League winning team with Inter Milan. Plus, he won the treble which has never been achieved before in Italy. It has been another brilliant season for José Mourinho

Honourable mentions: Lloris (Lyon), Lahm (Bayern Munich), Samuel (Inter Milan), Xavi (Barcelona), Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Krasic (CSKA) Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Rooney (Manchester United), Olic (Bayern Munich)