Tottenham and Milan got the knock-out phase of the Champions League underway in style on Tuesday night. AC Milan, by reputation alone, deserve giant status in football terms and Harry Redknapp certainly didn’t underestimate his rivals. Despite knowing full way that the Rossoneri are an aging side who are nowhere near living up to the Milan legend, his Spurs side produced a performance which, in European football terms, was as spot on as he could have possibly got it. Then there's the small case of Arsenal v Barcelona, which didn't fail to live up to its billing and featured a number of 'great' players.

But do these type of players deserve to be called ‘great’ just yet? Yes, Tottenham delivered a polished performance, but considering the type of players and teams who have graced our screens come Champions League time down the years where do the likes of Aaron Lennon and Luka Modric stand? What about Lionel Messi? There’s no doubt he will become one of the greats, but can we really say it yet?

I’ve compiled my best of the Champions League starting eleven. It’s debateable, sure. But I’ve chosen to go with players who have lasted the test of time playing at the pinnacle of club football and those who have delivered something memorable. Feel free to argue the case of a ‘great’ player left out of the all-time 11.

Click on the trophy below to see the The Greatest Champions League XI of all time

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