Two Barcelona players, Samuel Umtiti and Sergi Roberto, are among the 11 players named in UEFA’s breakthrough team of 2016.

Umtiti joined Barça last summer and has adapted quickly to the club’s style of play. His performances have put Javier Mascherano’s place alongside Gerard Pique in the Gala XI in doubt.

Despite being just 23, ‘Big Sam’ has surprised with his maturity and his defensive acumen, as well as his ability on the ball. He played four of Barcelona’s six Champions League matches, missing two through injury.

Luis Enrique ruled out signing a right-back in favour of sticking with Sergi Roberto and Aleix Vidal after Dani Alves left for Juventus in the summer.

And the Barça coach has been somewhat justified by Roberto’s inclusion in UEFA’s breakthrough team. The converted midfielder continues to impress in a new full-back role.

This is UEFA’s Champions League breakthrough team of 2016:

Goalkeeper:

Alphonse Aréola (Paris Saint-Germain)



Defenders:

Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)

Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona)

Victor Lindelöf (Benfica)



Midfielders:

Thomas Lemar (Monaco)

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Renato Sanches (Bayern Munich)

Raphaël Guerriero (Borussia Dortmund)



Forwards:

Christian Pulišić (Borussia Dortmund)

André Silva (Porto)

Ousmane Dembélé (Borussia Dortmund)



Manager:

Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid)