It’s only Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League group stage, yet several teams could be on the brink of elimination or qualification after this round of games.
Here are 10 players to watch this week.
Joao Cancelo (Juventus)
Somewhat overshadowed by his Portuguese teammate, Joao Cancelo has been a revelation for Juventus this season.
Right fullback has been a problem position for the Italian club since Stephan Lichtsteiner’s decline a few years ago. Cancelo’s defensive game is still somewhat lacking, although he is improving on a game-by-game basis. He has provided more dynamism down the right flank and adds another dimension to the attack with his dribbling and crossing.
Look for the Portuguese defender to be heavily involved against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
There are fewer players who’ve been as impactful for their teams than Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.
For the first time in club history, the Reds have conceded just three goals in their opening nine league games. That stat alone emphasizes van Dijk’s time in Merseyside.
Wednesday’s road match against Red Star Belgrade is crucial, and van Dijk will need to be alert as Liverpool is expected to dominate.
Kieran Trippier (Tottenham)
The modern full-back is vital for most teams’ success. That is especially true of Tripper and Tottenham.
Trippier is among the Premier League leaders in key passes per game (2), via WhoScored.com. Only Jose Holebas of Watford (2.1) has more, and the England international is actually one of the most important players for Spurs because of how often he advances the ball.
Therefore, the strategy for PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday is simple. They have to shut down Trippier, although that’s easier said than done.
Nikola Vlasic (CSKA Moscow)
Nikola Vlasic was listed as an under-the-radar youngster to watch ahead of Matchday 2.
The 21-year-old might’ve popped up on some radars after he scored the winning goal for CSKA Moscow against Real Madrid on Oct. 2. However, he’s maintained his strong form after striking in CSKA’s 2-0 league victory over Anzhi on Friday.
The Everton loanee is known more for his technique as opposed to his scoring. Now that Vlasic is adding goals to his repertoire, that makes him an enticing player to watch for Tuesday’s match away to AS Roma and beyond.
Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)
Kevin De Bruyne’s return may complicate things, although Bernardo Silva should earn the nod for Manchester City against Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine this Tuesday.
In nine appearances, Silva has registered three goals and one assist, plus he scored in Manchester City’s defeat to Lyon on Matchday 1. Most importantly, the Portuguese has dominated in De Bruyne’s absence.
City needs a win over Shakhtar, so Silva will likely be leaned upon again this week.
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Hirving Lozano (PSV Eindhoven)
Last season, there was no stopping Hirving Lozano after he joined PSV. One year later, he is still tearing up the Eredivisie and has brought his talents to the Champions League.
What a start to the season for Chucky Lozano and Erick Gutiérrez at PSV pic.twitter.com/4TVm7YXsCq
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 20, 2018
Lozano’s dribbling and pace were on full display in PSV’s first two matches. All he was lacking was the finish. With the Dutch outfit in a decent position entering Matchday 3, Chucky will have to start burying those chances on the continental stage.
Paco Alcacer (Borussia Dortmund)
Whether it’s for Spain or Borussia Dortmund, there is no stopping Paco Alcacer these days.
Alcacer struck three times during the international break for Spain and scored his seventh Bundesliga goal for Dortmund over the weekend. What’s crazy is that the Spaniard has only started three games.
In total, Alcacer has 11 goals in 250 minutes across all competitions, which is clearly an astounding rate. It seems like everything he touches ends up in the back of the net, and Dortmund will need that clinical finishing against the stingy Atletico Madrid at home on Wednesday.
Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)
The Brazilian midfielder has started Barcelona’s last five matches in all competitions, totalling three goals and one assist in that span. Barca will need that sort of production (and then some) now that Lionel Messi is injured.
Most of Coutinho’s stronger performances have come in the midfield, but he’s been equally productive on the left wing. That provides a couple of options for manager Ernesto Valverde ahead of their crucial clash against Inter Milan at the Camp Nou on Wednesday.
Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
Many believed that Lorenzo Insigne’s 2016-17 campaign under Maurizio Sarri wouldn’t be topped. Those claims might have been premature.
Insigne scored 20 goals in 49 appearances across all competitions that season, yet he already has seven goals in 10 matches this campaign, including the winner versus Liverpool earlier this month.
The Italian international is operating in a freer role with Carlo Ancelotti as Napoli manager. When Sarri coached the team, Insigne usually stayed on the left wing. Now he roams all over the field. Paris Saint-Germain will have to be on high alert for that when they host Napoli on Wednesday.
Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
There are few players who are in better form than Kylian Mbappe. The 19-year-old has 11 goals and four assists across all competitions for PSG this season, including four in one game against Lyon on Oct. 7.
Napoli was able to nullify Liverpool’s high press and limit their shot totals, and the Partenopei can definitely do the same to PSG. However, if Mbappe manages to find a pocket of space, then it could be game over.