Croatia
Dejan Lovren – Southampton
Defensive ace Lovren was highly rated at Lyon, but ultimately disappointed during his time there. However, at Southampton this season he has been a revelation. So much so that Liverpool are considering a big money bid to prize him away from St Mary’s, so they will be keeping a close watch on his progress over the coming weeks. Coming up against the likes of Neymar and company, though, may see him with his hands full.
Ivan Rakitic – Sevilla
Rakitic has seen his stock rise by a considerable amount this term as he has virtually dragged the Andalusian club up the La Liga table and to the final of the Europa League single handedly. Everyone from Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool have been hoping to persuade him to jump ship, but he has so far decided to remain loyal to his current employers. A good showing in Group A could help him to see just how highly he is rated at the moment.
Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich
The Bayern striker has been the main man in front of goal for club and country this season, but faces being cast aside next term with the impending arrival of Robert Lewandowski. He is fully aware that he is too good to be playing second fiddle to anybody, and may force Chelsea or Arsenal into making a concrete offer for him when the transfer window re-opens in July.