by Ziggy Keane

Created on: May 25, 2009   Last Updated: May 30, 2009

The 2008-09 Champions League was a thrilling tournament filled with many twists and turns, culminating in a match between the Spanish and English champions in Rome to decide the European title. Barcelona and Manchester United's presence in the final mean that their players are heavily represented in this dream team, but there is also room for some outstanding individuals from other teams.

My dream team for the 2008-09 Champions League would be as follows:

1: Iker Casillas: Spain and Real Madrid's number one is the reason why Real managed to get as far as they did this campaign, and was one of the key cogs in Spain's Euro 2008 victory last summer.

2: Philipp Lahm: the Germany and Bayern Munich fullback is deadly in attack, and solid in defense. His ability to set up teammates, and even have a crack at goal himself every now and again make him a constant threat to the opposition.

3: Carlos Puyol: the Spain and Barcelona centre-half added to his excellent career by helping Spain to a win in Euro 2008, and has continued this form with his club this season, as he has clinched La Liga. In the Champions League, he is a big reason why Barca won the tournament.

4: Nemanja Vidi: Man United's Serbian centre-half has been named his club's player of the season, and has been a key figure in Manchester United's league winning season. He is a big reason for their appearance in this year's European final.

5: Patrice Evra: Dangerous in attack, and capable in defense, this French fullback played a key role in starting Man United's attacks from the left side.

6: Xavi: Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi can pull strings in the centre of the park, and that is exactly what he did with club and country in 2008. He continued this form in the Champions' League this term and has played a key role in getting Barca to the European Cup Final once again.

7: Cristiano Ronaldo: Deadly with the ball at his feet, Ronaldo has continued to dominate English and European football. His ability to score, dribble, and set up teammates continues to give opposing defenders nightmares.

8: Frank Lampard: Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard was once again a prominent figure for Chelsea despite a disappointing season for the London club, scoring some crucial goals along the way.

9: Stephen Gerrard: Liverpool's captain has enjoyed playing as a second striker this season, and the England forward was key to everything Liverpool did this season both domestically and in Europe.

10: Miroslav Klose: Bayern Munich and Germany forward Miroslav Klose scored 7 goals in this season's European campaign, and always looked dangerous.

11: Lionel Messi: The top scorer so far in the Champions' League this season with 8 goals, Messi continues to dazzle and frighten defenses across Europe. The diminutive Argentine added to his growing legend by scoring in the final with a spectacular headed goal.

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