The UEFA Champions League resumes this week, and as ever, there are some exciting and mouthwatering ties lined up.
From defenders and goalkeepers who protect the goal, to forwards tasked with scoring goals, an exceptional number of talents will be on show when the third matchweek of the Champions League group stages commences. The focus will be on some top-notch players across Europe, as some clubs look to bounce back after the second matchweek disappointment.
Without much delay, here we put forward three players to look forward to in the Champions League this week.
- Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah’s lacklustre form has coincided with the slow start to the season Liverpool have enjoyed. Four goals and as many assists in 10 games across all competitions is not a bad return, but considering the standards he has set in recent years, it is underwhelming.
Salah failed to find the back of the net in the dramatic 3-3 draw with Brighton at Anfield on Saturday in the Premier League. Roberto Firmino has hit some form and is back to scoring goals, Luis Diaz is one of the first names on the team sheet, and with the likes of Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho pushing for a spot in XI, the Egyptian international needs to up his game or risk getting dropped.
That is why all eyes will be on Salah and how he performs on Tuesday evening, as Liverpool looks to beat Rangers in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Anfield.
- Reece James
One of Chelsea’s most important players, Reece James has registered a goal and an assist in eight games across all competitions so far this term. Altering from right wing-back and centre-back, to right-back, the youngster has done very well and deserves massive praise.
On Wednesday evening, James is likely to come up against one of the most in-form players in Europe—A Milan winger Rafael Leao. A settled back four will allow James to spend more time going forward, driving the ball into the final third and linking up with the Chelsea attackers.
However, facing a player of Leao’s ilk will be a daunting task, and with Chelsea desperately needing a win after picking up just a point from their opening two games, it will be interesting to watch how James performs against a strong Milan side at Stamford Bridge.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Group A is considered to be the “Group Of Death” in the Champions League, with Napoli, Liverpool, Ajax and Rangers battling it out for the top two spots. Napoli are leading the group with two wins out of two, while Liverpool and Ajax occupy the second and third spot respectively.
A lot of talents will be on show this week, but Napoli’s new boy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will be one to watch. Having tormented the Liverpool backline in the opening game before playing his part in the win over Rangers, Kvaratskhelia is turning heads around Europe.
Dubbed the Georgian Messi, the 21-year-old will create chances and terrorise defences if given space and time, which is why Ajax will need to be at their best to stop him.
