'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Borussia Dortmund are all set to take on French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League Round of 16 next week. Among the two teams PSG had an easier route into the knockouts, whereas Dortmund were relatively lucky to qualify through the group of death where they pipped Inter Milan.
This tie is expected to be full of goals as both the teams are known for their exciting attacking play, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that most of the players on this list are forwards. Without further ado, let's take a look at the five players who could have a key role to play in the upcoming round of 16 tie:
#5 Keylor Navas
Keylor Navas was one of the best goalkeepers in the group stage of the Champions League this season. The Costa Rican put in performances that were second to none, specifically against Real Madrid.
Navas is one of the few goalkeepers in the competition with the experience of winning the Champions League, and that could benefit PSG in crunch situations. The former Real Madrid goalkeeper has adapted to life at the French club pretty quickly and has had a brilliant season, to say the least.
Shot-stopping is the strong suit of the current PSG number 1 and along with that, he is adept at playing out from the back. Jadon Sancho and Co. will have to be at their best when they face the Costa Rica international next week.
#4 Erling Braut Haaland
When Erling Braut Haaland signed for Borussia Dortmund in the January transfer window, many expected him to take some time to adapt to the German Bundesliga. But the Norwegian has hit the ground running, doing what he does best - scoring goals.
The 19-year-old has already scored 8 goals for the German Club and right now, it looks like there's no stopping him. Haaland has already developed some understanding with Jadon Sancho on the pitch, while he also looks comfortable playing in Lucian Favre's preferred 3-4-3 formation.
The Norway international has been brilliant in the Champions League this season and with Marco Reus out of this tie, there will be a lot of pressure on him to deliver.
#3 Neymar Jr.
Neymar didn't have a great start to the 2019-20 season, but since his return from injury, the Brazilian has been nothing short of brilliant for the French club. And against Borussia Dortmund, he will be expected to step up.
The 2014-15 Champions League winner has shown on many occasions what he can do on the big stage, and that he can be a nightmare for the opposition defense when the pressure is high.
He is one of the very few players in the world who doesn't need many touches to make an impact on the game. Neymar can produce moments of magic out of nothing, thanks to his dribbling skills, set-piece ability and quick decision-making.
As long as he is on the pitch, he will have an impact on the game against Dortmund.
#2 Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe had a very good time during the group stage as he was Paris Saint-Germain's best attacker by a mile. The young sensation has always been a threat for any opposition defense but when you have players like Neymar and Angel Di Maria to find your runs, the threat level just goes up a notch.
At 21 years of age, Mbappe has already played three full Champions League seasons, which is a testament to the kind of talent he possesses.
Having played and performed in such high-stakes matches, Mbappe is one of the most important players alongside Neymar who would be seen as potential match-winners for PSG this season.
#1 Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho has been playing at the top level for only two years and yet, he has the consistency of an already established footballer. The English international was the first player to reach 10 goals and 10 assists this season, which is an incredible feat for a 19-year-old to say the least.
The Borussia Dortmund No. 7 is an energetic winger who doesn't back down from running at the defenders. He is pretty accurate with his decision making, especially when it comes to finding his teammates.
Having contributed so much to Dortmund's season thus far, it is only logical to expect the Englishman to play a key role against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 fixture.
