Real Madrid’s 3-1 triumph over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final brought to an end a fascinating campaign. Just as it’s been in the past three seasons, Los Blancos dominated the Squad of the Season with the club getting eight representatives in the 16-man list.
Nevertheless, fellow finalists, Liverpool had just three representations - namely Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Virgil Van Dijk. This, as a result, has facilitated agitation among some fans who believe the likes of Sadio Mane and James Milner should not have been overlooked.
The Senegalese forward, following his consolation goal against Madrid, took his tally in the competition to 10 whereas Milner broke the record of the player with the most assist in a single campaign with his eight assists. Yet, the duo could not find their way onto the list.
On the other hand, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Bayern Munich pair James Rodriguez and Joshua Kimmich, Juventus’ Chiellini as well as Lionel Messi, Edin Dzeko and Allison Becker were featured in the squad.
UEFA's Technical Observers have chosen their #UCL Squad of the Season. Do you agree with their selection? pic.twitter.com/BYqyIA0DJ9
— #UCLfinal (@ChampionsLeague) May 27, 2018
Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter:
A squad without Mané means that this is still a draft squad and u guys will get back to us when u r serious about life!!
— robertmarawa (@robertmarawa) May 27, 2018
Mane has more goals and assist than Lionel Messi but didn't make the squad. Shoo!!! https://t.co/HNfdlIoXir
— Football Fanatic (@MogauMosibudi) May 27, 2018
No Mane? With 10 goals? No Milner with 8 assists? How?
— Olayinka (@GalacticoHD) May 27, 2018
Who do you think shouldn’t be in the UEFA squad of the season? pic.twitter.com/Chk37bSnIz
How can your Squad be Mané less?
— Ọmọ Ọ̀dọ̀ Àgbà (@lakunle70) May 27, 2018
How's Messi in the squad but no Sadio Mane ? https://t.co/nuucdUeDDY
— Banco (@SheriffSisay) May 27, 2018
Imagine breaking the record for assists in the competition and not even making the squad of the season@JamesMilner
— Tiptop (@tiptoptoptips) May 27, 2018
Mane probably deserves a place too being joint 2nd top scorer with both Liverpool colleagues
Messi despite finishing 10th in scoring and 22nd in assists gets it pic.twitter.com/iW6g7XlzPJ
Mané with 10 goals.
— Ziyaad (@ZIYAAD_LFC) May 27, 2018
Milner with the highest assists.
Surely they deserve to be a part of this squad.
Mane get 10 goals n cant make the squad?
— 13 (@SubZero616) May 27, 2018