The gruelling fixture schedule for top clubs around Europe continues as we go into the second day of the second round of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League campaign this midweek. English clubs, in particular, have struggled in the past, due to their stacked domestic schedule and this season has been no exception.
Therefore, it is only apparent that they may rely on individual players to make a difference in these troubled times.
We take a look at 3 players who will have a key part to play in tonight’s high voltage fixtures.
Lionel Messi
The Barcelona superstar will be key when they face Tottenham Hotspur in a vital fixture today. The English side started with a loss and will be desperate for 3 points. And pundits agree that this might be the best time to play Barcelona if there ever was one. Valverde’s side is playing some uninspiring football and has looked listless in their last few games. But a team which has Lionel Messi in it can never be written off.
The Argentine is key, and Spurs have to devise a plan to minimalise his impact.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane will be presented with a glorious opportunity to get his season back on the track, following a rough start to the campaign. Much like Barca’s Luis Suarez, Kane has failed to assert his dominance in the final third, missing a lot of glorious chances in the process.
The English international is coming on the back of a stunning performance against Huddersfield, where he scored both the goals in Tottenham’s 2-0 win. But, a sharp display against the mighty Catalans can easily help him give a significant confidence boost. Therefore, he is undoubtedly one of the players to look out for in the Champions League this week.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah remained one of the main talking points of the season when he yet again failed to replicate his clinical form in front of goal in the game against Chelsea last weekend. Even though the Egyptian created a lot of chances for himself in the first half, his end product was lacking.
And a game against Napoli gives him the perfect opportunity to redeem himself and to potentially get his season back on track. The 26-year-old is quite familiar facing the Partenopei having played for AS Roma in the past, which will surely help him as he aims to get back to scoring form this week.
