And we’re back! After just 110 days since Manchester City’s triumph in Istanbul, the road to Wembley begins with the kick-off of the Champions League group stage. As always, you can catch every minute of every game exclusively on Paramount+. Before each game week, we’ll be highlighting five players to watch out for in the upcoming fixtures and throughout the competition. Here’s our first quintet:
1. Bukayo Saka, Arsenal
Despite their drop off in form last season, Arsenal still had a strong statistical case as the second-best team in England. This season, they show no signs of decline. With access to a squad filled with depth and talent, courtesy of the riches of the Premier League, Arsenal enters the Champions League as one of the favorites to win it all. However, the question remains whether their players, even the best among them, can perform at this level. When Arsenal last played in Europe’s top tier, Saka was still developing in the Gunners’ Under-18 side. With limited Champions League experience within the squad, Saka stands out as a player who can make a difference. His impressive performances against top teams like Manchester United and Liverpool, and his consistent rankings in offensive metrics, demonstrate his potential to shine on the continental stage. With a favorable group stage draw, Arsenal has the opportunity to prove themselves as one of the best in Europe.
2. Christian Pulisic, AC Milan
Following his move to Italy from Chelsea, Pulisic’s arrival at AC Milan was long-awaited. Despite flashes of promise at Stamford Bridge, his time in England was plagued by complicated relationships with coaches, injuries, and competition for positions. However, his start at AC Milan has been promising, with goals in his first two games and consistent starts in the lineup. Pulisic now finds himself surrounded by players who understand their roles, allowing him to showcase his ability to score goals efficiently. With his knack for finding dangerous areas and taking shots, Pulisic has the potential to be a game-changer for AC Milan in a challenging group.
3. Antoine Griezmann, Atletico Madrid
Last season, it seemed unlikely that Atletico Madrid would return to the top of European football anytime soon. They had crashed out of Europe and were struggling in La Liga. Similarly, Griezmann’s form had declined since his exceptional World Cup performance. However, since his return to Atletico, he has rediscovered his best form. In just a season and a half, Griezmann has significantly contributed to the team’s goals and assists. His resurgence has breathed new life into Atletico and makes them a force to be reckoned with in the competition.
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