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The 2020-21 European football season has been a grueling one for players across the continent, with the scheduling and lack of rest time between games causing players to pick up injuries more frequently. Liverpool and Real Madrid are two sides that have been hampered by injuries this season, with the Reds losing talismanic defender Virgil van Dijk to an ACL injury in October.
The likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have spent time on the sidelines, too, while Real Madrid have also had their fair share of fitness concerns.
Injuries, however, have led to opportunities for players on the fringes of the squad. A handful of stars have made their presence felt in what has been a tumultuous league season, having played key roles for their respective clubs in the past few months.
Here are five players who have featured more often than they'd have expected at the start of the season.
#5 Nat Phillips | Liverpool
At the start of the season, Nat Phillips was linked with a host of Championship clubs, as Liverpool looked to offload the defender who was never going to be a part of Jurgen Klopp's plans. Six months later, he is one of two senior fit central defenders at the club and is all set to start a UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid.
Football is a funny old game, and Phillips' dramatic change in fortunes over the past few months has been the perfect example. A tough-tackling defender who is aerially dominant, the 24-year-old has quickly become a cult hero at Anfield for his warrior-like performances.
Phillips has made 12 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions and looks set to play a pivotal role in the business end of the season.
#4 Moise Kean | Paris Saint-Germain
Moise Kean has been Paris Saint-Germain's surprise package of the season, with the striker impressing on loan in the French capital after sealing a loan move from Everton. While it initially looked like he'd struggle for game time ahead of the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Mauro Icardi and Angel di Maria, the Italian has featured 30 times for the Ligue 1 champions in all competitions.
Kean has also been slotted out wide on certain occasions, but that hasn't stopped him from enjoying the most productive season of his professional career. He has scored 15 goals so far and looks set to add to his tally between now and the end of the season.
The 21-year-old endured an unproductive spell at Everton but has recaptured his mojo with PSG. If reports are to be believed, Kean could well sign for the French side permanently at the end of the season.
#3 Nacho Fernandez | Real Madrid
Hailed as one of the most versatile players in world football, Nacho Fernandez has been at Real Madrid for the entirety of his professional career and proved his worth to the club several times. The 31-year-old has played across the backline for Los Blancos over the years and has once again done the job for his side amidst an injury crisis.
With Sergio Ramos currently unavailable, Nacho has been used as a central defender in a back three, with the Spaniard partnering Eder Militao and Raphael Varane in the Real Madrid rearguard. He is also capable of deputizing as a left-back or a right-back, making him the perfect utility man for any team in world football.
Nacho is below a handful of players in the pecking order, but that hasn't stopped him from making 21 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid this season. His contract runs out in the summer of 2022 and if reports are to be believed, he is wanted by many clubs across the continent.
#2 Pedri | Barcelona
Pedri's emergence has been one of the shining lights of Barcelona's season, with the teenage sensation enjoying a stunning debut season at the Camp Nou. The midfielder was signed for a nominal fee from Las Palmas and was expected to play a bit-part role, with the likes of Sergio Busquets, Miralem Pjanic, Frenkie de Jong and Riqui Puig ahead of him in the pecking order.
However, Pedri has quickly become one of the most important players at the club under Ronald Koeman and has forged an understanding with Lionel Messi. Known for his ball control, dribbling ability and match awareness, he has also drawn comparisons with Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta, which is a startling example of the outrageous talent he possesses.
In his first season at the club, Pedri has already featured a staggering 42 times for the Catalan giants and has also been capped by Spain under Luis Enrique. The sky is the limit for the 18-year-old, who is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents in the game.
#1 Weston McKennie | Juventus
When Juventus announced the signing of Weston McKennie last summer, a few eyebrows were raised by fans across the globe. While the energetic midfielder was a household name in the Bundesliga with Schalke, the question was simple - is he good enough for a club of Juventus' stature?
McKennie, though, quickly silenced his critics with a string of magnificent displays in midfield, with the American international being praised for his versatility, energy and box-to-box ability. He has also shown a keen eye for goal, having notched up five goals in 35 appearances across all competitions for Andrea Pirlo's side this season.
Juventus have triggered a clause in his contract to sign him permanently, with McKennie getting rave reviews from fans and pundits across the world for his performances. At the age of 22, he has enough time on his side to take his game to a new level in the coming years at the Allianz Stadium.
