Champions League team of the season

Unsurprisingly, newly-crowned European champions Barcelona dominate our team of the season, with six players rewarded with a place in our elite selection.

GK: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United) - Just four goals conceded during United's run to the final speaks volumes for the goalkeeper's form this season. Another two in Rome blotted his copybook somewhat, but few can argue the Dutchman has been the continent's standout keeper this season.

RB: Dani Alves (Barcelona) - A silly booking may have cost the Brazilian his place in the final, but his attacking displays over 12 previous appearances set the standard for right-backs across Europe.

CB: Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) - Like most of his team-mates, the Serb stopper suffered an off-day in the final, but his form on the road to Rome cannot be questioned. Imperious. And scary.

CB: Gerard Pique (Barcelona) - The 22-year-old showed promise during his spell with United, but since arriving back home in Catalonia, he has blossomed into one of the best defenders in Europe. His outstanding performance in the final was testament to that.

LB: Patrice Evra (Manchester United) - The skilful Frenchman offers so much more than solid defensive work and his forays forward have been a feature of United's attacking play all season long.

CM: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) - The little Spaniard's midfield partnership with Xavi is second to none and while Lionel Messi gets all the plaudits for the goals he scores, Iniesta is the player who really makes Barca tick. Capped off a fine season with a sublime performance in the final.

CM: Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona) - Another of Barca's unsung heroes, Xavi's midfield nous has helped propel Barca to glory. Always available, and seemingly always in space, the Spain international's brilliant final performance mirrored the way much of his season has gone.

AM: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - Another seven goals for Gerrard during this year's Champions League campaign again proved his invaluable worth to his side. There is no one better breaking forward from midfield than the Liverpool skipper, nor are there many more inspirational players.

FW: Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - The best player in the world debate will rage on over the summer, but the Argentine ace certainly got the upper hand on Cristiano Ronaldo in Rome. And his performances in Europe over the course of the season have done much to suggest Messi actually merits the title of the 'new Maradona'.

FW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - The forward may not have lived up to the sky-high expectations he set himself last season, but whenever he has the ball at his feet, the sense of fear in the opposition is palpable. His goal against Porto was simply stunning.

FW: Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona) - In a season where goals have been Barcelona's trademark, it would be remiss not include a Blaugrana striker in our elite team. The Cameroon international (pictured with Iniesta and Messi) gets the nod for his exquisite finish in the final, although team-mate Thierry Henry could easily have made the cut.

Manager: Pep Guardiola (Barcelona) - Sure, Alex Ferguson took his side to yet another European final, but the Barcelona boss's feat - a treble in his first season in charge - is all the more impressive when you consider he is just 38 years old. A long and glittering future awaits.