The former Barcelona team-mates were among the stars of this opening phase, while there is a surprise inclusion between the posts…

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  Evan Horvath | Club Brugge

  While the likes of Alisson and Iker Casillas have a strong claim to be named the group stage's best keeper, for sheer impact Brugge’s young US international stole the show. 

  Horvath, 23, sat out his team's first three fixtures, which yielded just a single point and five goals conceded. 

  Once in the starting line-up, however, he kept three consecutive clean sheets as the Belgians picked up a further five points, keeping out Monaco, Dortmund and Atletico, and steering his side to a shock Europa League berth in one of the competition's most fearsome groups on paper.

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  Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich

  At just 23, Kimmich has become an indispensable part of the Bayern set-up, and after playing across the pitch for the Bundesliga giants now looks to be a permanent fixture on the right side of defence. 

  It was there that he stood out during this group stage, contributing two assists for Bayern as they streaked to last-16 qualification with ease. 

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  Matija Nastasic | Schalke

  The former Manchester City defender has been in formidable form throughout the group stage, marshalling Schalke's defence and securing a place in the next round. 

  Under Nastasic's fearsome vigil the Bundesliga side conceded just four goals in their six Group D outings, a record that ensured progression despite a decidedly mean six strikes in favour.

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  Aymeric Laporte | Manchester City

  Signed from Athletic in January, Laporte is now a cornerstone of City's defence, and seems to grow with every game he plays. 

  The France Under-21 international was ever-present for Pep Guardiola's side in the first round, as they qualified at the head of their pool after conceding just six goals.

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