Europe’s most glamorous club competition has reached its decisive rounds, as Tuesday night will witness the opening of the quarter finals. Although all four matches will be packed with stars, we picked five players to keep an eye on in particular, each for a different reason. So let’s take a look at the Five players to watch in the Champions League this week.
Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
The Norwegian’s impending exit from Dortmund is no longer a secret, as his father and his agent Mino Raiola were parading around Europe’s richest destinations in order to seal a transfer for the phenomenal striker.
Even thought Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola ruled out a major signing in attack due the current financial difficulties, the Cityzens continue to be linked with the 20-year-old sensation, and the star will be looking to showcase his skills against a true Champions League contender.
Marcelo (Real Madrid)
The Brazilian spent most of the season playing second-fiddle to Ferland Mendy at left back, but luckily Zinedine Zidane found a way to integrate both players in a 3-5-2 formation.
The veteran has been one of the most impressive players in the Champions League throughout the last decade, and he’ll be expected to pounce on the opportunity and deliver a solid European run with Los Blancos, perhaps for the last time.
Olivier Giroud (Chelsea)
Speaking of veterans who are enjoying unlikely runs, who would have ever thought that Olivier Giroud would be Chelsea’s main center forward in 2021?!
And yet, the Frenchman is expected to lead the Blues against Porto on the neutral venue of Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium (Sevilla’s stadium), where he managed to stun the world by scoring four goals earlier in the season.
Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
The European and world champions will be missing Robert Lewandowski in attack, but with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka, their midfield will be at full force.
The latter in particular has been a decisive player throughout the campaign, but rarely gets the credit he deserves.
However, leading the Bavarians to a second Champions League triumph in a row would cement him as one of the finest central midfielders in the world.
Neymar (PSG)
Whilst Bayern are confidently marching on towards the trophy, Paris Saint Germain will be looking to avenge themselves against their opponents from last season’s final.
Neymar was left devastated after the final whistle in August, but he managed to return just in time, hoping to inspire Mauricio Pochettino’s men en route towards a historic victory.
And God knows they will need all the inspiration in the world to come out with a good result from the Allianz Arena in Munich.