The new crop of football superstars
The 22-year old Spanish international has become a regular in Carlo Ancelotti’s first team following a string of impressive displays during an otherwise uninspiring Madrid run since the turn of the year. A Bernabeu favourite, Isco played a key role in Real’s six consecutive Champions League group phase victories.
Dortmund’s relegation-threatened domestic form has been in stark contrast to their confident European performances.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s three goals and two assists were crucial in the Bundesliga strugglers edging Arsenal for top spot in Group D. The young striker will need to find the net if Dortmund are to overcome Juventus.
PSG have a wealth of talented midfielders to choose from but Lucas has proven their most consistent performer in Europe this season. The 22-year old won two man of the match awards en-route to PSG’s qualification for the knockout phase and the Brazilian is proving an effective foil for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
A creative midfielder with an eye for goal, Brahimi has been the subject of intense transfer speculation following impressive African Cup of Nations displays.
The Algerian international has netted four goals in the Champions League this term and expected to feature prominently in Porto’s last-16 clash with FC Basel.
News that Jose Mourinho’s gifted midfielder has signed a five-and-a-half year contract extension couldn’t have come at a better time in the build-up to Chelsea’s showdown with PSG.
Hazard has been ever-present during the London club’s European campaign and is likely to add to his two goals and assists in the coming weeks.
