UCL 2019/20 – Players to watch

These stars could light up Europe this year

With the footballing season officially underway in all the top leagues of the world, the focus of the fans and players inevitably shifts to the premium club competition in Europe, the UEFA Champions League. Elite clubs across the continent have all strengthened their core by making reinforcements and splurges in the transfer market with a set of goals. The most prominent of them, however, is to go farthest in the UCL and clinch the coveted trophy.

No success is complete without laying claim to the prestigious cup. That is certainly the case for clubs like Barcelona, Bayern, Paris, and Juventus who have all yearned for the trophy to complete their European treble for years but to no avail. In a competition where legends of the game have truly showcased their talent, many new signings are ready to make a mark. Here are the ones to watch out for in this year’s edition of the tournament.

João Félix

When Atletico Madrid announced the departure of Griezmann, there was not much optimism in terms of replacing the Frenchman. Simeone though has provided a masterstroke of business by securing Félix. The young Portuguese was one of the highly sought after footballers after a sensational season with Benfica. A player good with both feet and his head, Félix tore up the Portuguese first division. He scored 15 goals and laid 7 assists to guide Benfica to the Primeira Liga title. He also won the best young player in the league for his feats. Eager to prove himself in the biggest stage, João Félix is expected to deliver the goods for the Colchoneros.

Eden Hazard

Hazard has finally secured his dream move to Real Madrid, one that has materialized after four years of anticipation. The Belgian has arrived at the Bernabeu with immense pressure on his shoulders, as Los Blancos are just off the back of their worst season in decades. He is expected to produce from the get-go, with almost no time to settle in. Currently sidelined due to injury, Los Merengues need their marquee signing up on his feet as soon as possible to challenge in all fronts. For a club with a rich history in the competition, they are expected to be one of the front-runners and the Belgian could provide the X-factor.

Antoine Griezmann

A saga circulating for more than a couple of years, the transfer of world champion Griezmann to FC Barcelona has ultimately concluded. It is a signing of intent by the Blaugranas, who are in search of the elusive UCL trophy since 2015. The Frenchman has had a decent record, netting 21 during his time in Atletico Madrid. His services could be of significant importance, with Suárez struggling to score in crucial Champions League ties.

Matthijs de Ligt

The fulcrum of the Ajax side that took the world by storm, de Ligt was subject to transfer speculations to super-clubs all across the continent. Nevertheless, it was the Italian giant Juventus that beat the competition to his signature.

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A born-leader and an astute defender, the Dutchman is a reliable figure in the defense and has the knack of finding the back of the net in set-pieces. With Cristiano Ronaldo in attack and a stacked midfield, the Old Lady could be a force to be reckoned with.

Hirving Lozano

“Chucky” Lozano had a brilliant World Cup in 2018 and followed it up with an impressive season in Eredivisie for PSV. Similar to de Ligt the Mexican winger had many suitors. In the end, he chose Napoli as his next destination. With Callejon and Mertens on the wrong side of 30, Carlo Ancelotti now has a young and fresh attacker to unlock the opposition defenses. Possessing great pace and impressive shooting abilities, Lozano could prove to be a vital cog for Partonepoi to reach their potential in the Champions League.

Kai Havertz

Havertz was the heart of the Bayer Leverkusen midfield last season, as he waltzed in 17 goals and guided them to the UCL. Playing just behind the strikers, the young German possesses a penchant for finding the back of the net. It has been three years since Leverkusen last played in the competition and they need the precocious teenager to be in his full flow to go past the group stage.