10 players to watch in UEFA Champions League

Barcelona players celebrate with the trophy after the Champions League final soccer match between Juventus and FC Barcelona. (Frank Augstein/AP)

The 2015-16 Champions League season kicks off Tuesday with the first matches of the group stage.

Here are 10 superstars to keep an eye on throughout the first set of matches:

Lionel Messi: Tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals in Champions League history (77), Messi is the heart and soul of a Barcelona squad defending its European title for the fifth time. Lionel Messi: Tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for the most goals in Champions League history (77), Messi is the heart and soul of a Barcelona squad defending its European title for the fifth time. (Paul White/AP)

Cristiano Ronaldo: The other 77-goal man might have something to say about that. Ronaldo is now Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with a five-goal performance over the weekend.Cristiano Ronaldo: The other 77-goal man might have something to say about that. Ronaldo is now Real Madrid’s all-time leading scorer with a five-goal performance over the weekend. (Manu Fernandez/AP)

Paul Pogba: After being surrounded with transfer rumours all summer, Pogba stayed in Turin and will be crucial to any hope Juventus has of getting back to the final. Paul Pogba: After being surrounded with transfer rumours all summer, Pogba stayed in Turin and will be crucial to any hope Juventus has of getting back to the final. (Riccardo De Luca/AP)

Matteo Darmian: While Anthony Martial has already shown flashes, Darmian has so far proven to be the best of Manchester United’s summer additions.Matteo Darmian: While Anthony Martial has already shown flashes, Darmian has so far proven to be the best of Manchester United’s summer additions. (Rui Vieira/AP)

Eden Hazard: Chelsea is struggling in every facet of the game, and the Belgian star is no different. The Blues need offence, and Hazard needs to be the catalyst their resurgence. Eden Hazard: Chelsea is struggling in every facet of the game, and the Belgian star is no different. The Blues need offence, and Hazard needs to be the catalyst their resurgence. (Frank Augstein/AP)

Marco Verratti: At just 22, Verratti has become one of the most (if not the most) important player on a stacked PSG squad. His vision and playmaking will be crucial to getting the French champs over the European hump. Marco Verratti: At just 22, Verratti has become one of the most (if not the most) important player on a stacked PSG squad. His vision and playmaking will be crucial to getting the French champs over the European hump. (Jacques Brinon/AP)

Arturo Vidal: If there’s anything that Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich squad is missing, it’s some edge. That’s what Vidal brings. The Chilean has no problem doing the dirty work it takes to get the job done. Arturo Vidal: If there’s anything that Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich squad is missing, it’s some edge. That’s what Vidal brings. The Chilean has no problem doing the dirty work it takes to get the job done. (Kerstin Joensson/AP)

Kevin De Bruyne: Manchester City doled out a club-record fee for the Belgian for two reasons: 1) A Premier League title, and 2) A Champions League title. De Bruyne may be the most dynamic midfielder in Europe. Kevin De Bruyne: Manchester City doled out a club-record fee for the Belgian for two reasons: 1) A Premier League title, and 2) A Champions League title. De Bruyne may be the most dynamic midfielder in Europe. (Tim Ireland/AP)

Iker Casillas: For the first time in his career, Casillas won’t be taking the field in Champions League sporting a Real Madrid kit. Instead, the veteran ‘keeper will play a key role in getting Porto out of Group G.Iker Casillas: For the first time in his career, Casillas won’t be taking the field in Champions League sporting a Real Madrid kit. Instead, the veteran ‘keeper will play a key role in getting Porto out of Group G. (Paulo Duarte/AP)

Julian Draxler: After losing De Bruyne to Man City, Wolfsburg wasted no time bringing in Draxler. The speedy German winger will be a major boost for the Bundesliga side in a very winnable Group B. Julian Draxler: After losing De Bruyne to Man City, Wolfsburg wasted no time bringing in Draxler. The speedy German winger will be a major boost for the Bundesliga side in a very winnable Group B. (Joerg Sarbach/AP)

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