Photo essay: 10 players to watch in Champions League

Antoine-Griezmann

Antoine Griezmann of Atletico Madrid. (Francisco Seco/AP)

Here are 10 players, both established and up-and-coming, to keep an eye on throughout the group phase of the 2016-17 Champions League.

Edinson Cavani: The loss of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a gain to Cavani, who is playing in his preferred role as a centre forward for PSG this season. The Uruguayan has still been wasteful in front of goal, so if the Parisians have real Champions League aspirations, they need their South American striker to produce. Edinson Cavani: The loss of Zlatan Ibrahimovic is huge opportunity for Cavani, who is playing in his preferred role as a centre forward for Paris Saint-Germain this season. Cavani has a tendency to be wasteful in front of goal, so if the Parisians have real Champions League aspirations, they need their Uruguayan striker to produce.

Atiba Hutchinson: The Canadian international will be seen on the big stage this season for Besiktas. Fresh off a Turkish Super Lig triumph last season, the Istanbul-based side have a shot at the round of 16, and as always, Hutchinson will be crucial to the team's plans. Atiba Hutchinson: The Canadian international will take to the big stage this season for Besiktas. Fresh off a Turkish Super Lig triumph last season, the Istanbul-based side has a shot at the Round of 16, and as always, Hutchinson will be crucial to the team’s plans.

Luis Suarez: There is no centre forward in the world who has been as lethal as Suarez over the past two years. The Uruguayan has scored 88 goals in 100 matches for Barcelona in all competitions. Fifteen of those have come in 19 Champions League games. As always, the 29-year-old is going to be one of the main threats for Barca this season. Luis Suarez: There is no centre forward in the world who has been as lethal as Suarez over the past two years. The Uruguayan has scored bags of goals for the Catalan club during that time, including 15 in the Champions League. As always, the 29-year-old is going to be one of the main threats for Barca this season.

Mahmoud Dahoud: Borussia Monchengladbach is one of the most exciting teams due to its plethora of young talent. Mahmoud Dahoud is the pick of the lot and is tipped for a big move soon. Liverpool and Juventus are linked with the 20-year-old midfielder, and could take a massive step forward in the Champions League this season. Mahmoud Dahoud: Borussia Monchengladbach is one of the most exciting teams due to its plethora of young talent. Dahoud is the pick of the lot and is tipped for a big move soon. Liverpool and Juventus are linked with the 20-year-old midfielder, and he could take a massive step forward in the Champions League this season.

Thomas Muller: As always, Bayern Munich is one of the favourites to win the Champions League, especially with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. Muller will be crucial to those plans. The German has scored 28 goals over the past four campaigns in Europe, so he'll be the key player, especially in the latter stages. Thomas Muller: As always, Bayern Munich is one of the favourites to win the Champions League, especially with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. Muller will be crucial to those plans. The German has scored 28 goals over the past four campaigns in Europe, so he’ll be the key player, especially in the latter stages.

Antoine Griezmann: The Frenchman became mainstream after his tremendous showing last season in the Champions League. He scored big goals in the quarterfinals and semifinals for Atletico Madrid, who will need Griezmann to provide an offensive spark if it wants to reach another final. Antoine Griezmann:The Frenchman became mainstream after his tremendous showing last season in the Champions League. He scored big goals in the quarterfinals and semifinals for Atletico Madrid, who will need Griezmann to provide an offensive spark if it wants to reach another final.

Tiemoue Bakayoko: Monaco is another intriguing team as it also has a few quality youngsters, including Bakayoko. The 22-year-old midfielder has been linked to Manchester United and could earn a big move over the next year, especially if he performs well in the Champions League. Tiemoue Bakayoko: AS Monaco is another intriguing team as it has a few quality youngsters, including Bakayoko. The 22-year-old midfielder has been linked to Manchester United and could earn a big move over the next year, especially if he performs well in the Champions League.

Gareth Bale: The Welshman didn't score in the Champions League last season, but his performances were still integral to Real Madrid's triumph. Bale has already scored twice in his first three appearances in La Liga and will look to add to that in the group stage. Gareth Bale: The Welshman didn’t score in the Champions League last season, but his performances were still integral to Real Madrid’s triumph. Bale has had a strong start to the La Liga campaign, and will look to add to that in the group stage.

Ousmane Dembele: Borussia Dortmund signed a slew of youngsters this summer. Dembele is the most tantalizing of them all. His silky smooth touch and incredible technique make him one of Europe's most electrifying talents. Ousmane Dembele: Borussia Dortmund signed a slew of youngsters this summer. Dembele is the most tantalizing of them all. His silky smooth touch and incredible technique make him one of Europe’s most electrifying talents.

Gonzalo Higuain: Juventus' record signing has scored three goals in his first three games for his new club. When the Serie A giants acquired Higuain, it was a signal of intent that Juve is a favourite to win the Champions League. However, it needs the 28-year-old to produce if it wants to lift the trophy on June 3. Gonzalo Higuain: When the Serie A giants acquired Higuain for a club record fee, it was a signal of intent that Juve is a favourite to win the Champions League. However, it needs the 28-year-old to produce if it wants to lift the trophy on June 3.

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