Five players set to catch the eye in Europe this week.
The second round of the Champions League is finally upon us and with it there are bound to be some standout performances to come with it. Here, we have attempted to pinpoint who exactly we think will be set to make an impact for their sides.
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5. Radja Nainggolan – Roma
The Belgian international only made his way to the Italian capital this summer, sneaking his way in during a busy transfer window. The side have a new look about them this term and one of the more impressive performers has been the 26-year-old.
Facing Manchester City, Nainggolan will have his work cut out for him in keeping Yaya Toure quiet, but what whats their midfield battle so interesting is that they share many of the same qualities. Both will be looking to direct the play through the middle, and the result could well depend on which one of them fancies it more.
4. David Luiz – Paris Saint Germain
Following his bizarre £50m signing in the summer transfer market, Luiz can feel slightly hard done by that he didn’t make it to Barcelona instead. However, instead of sulking he has gone about justifying that fee with aplomb.
This week will present a different kettle of fish, though, as Barca travel to the French capital to take on the big spenders, and in the absence of Thiago Silva all eyes will be on Luiz to see how well he can marshall the back line against such terrific opponents. We all saw how not having Silva alongside him at the World Cup worked out, but can he ensure it won’t happen again?
3. Koke – Atletico Madrid
At just six games into the domestic campaign in Spain, the Atletico star is already picking up where he left up by notching five assists already, enhancing his reputation as one of the top flights most powerful creative forces.
However, Koke takes on Juventus this week in a battle of the Spanish and Italian champions and promises to keep supplying his teammates with a steady supply of chances, though he will have to navigate a tricky midfield duo in the shape of Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba.
2. Arjen Robben – Bayern Munich
Many had their doubts about how well the 30-year-old would regain his fitness following a World Cup campaign that took them all the way to third place this summer.
In three Bundesliga appearances this season, Robben is averaging a direct hand in one goal per game, notching one goal and two assists in the process. And should he feature against a weak looking CSKA Moscow side this weekend then the Russian’s goal difference could take even more of a battering.
1. Mario Balotelli – Liverpool
Following Liverpool’s poor domestic form so far this term, they managed to get an early win on the board thanks in part to Balotelli’s late strike.
The Italian international has suffered at the hands of some unfair expectations, as he has been expected to fill in for both the departed Luis Suarez as well as the injured Daniel Sturridge. Set to lead the line again against Basel, Super Mario will hope to bag himself another goal to give his confidence a much needed boost in the arm.
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