'%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)
The UEFA Champions League has kicked off this week and has impressed the fans as always. We have witnessed some tough encounters and moments this week, as the mighty Liverpool beat PSG at Anfield, Messi scoring a hattrick and leading Barcelona to a 4-0 victory over PSV, Ronaldo's unfortunate red card, Bale's brilliance and several more.
In what has emerged as a sensational start to the new UCL season, fans expect plenty more from the league and there are certain players who could outperform each one of their competitors.
Champions League is one of the few tournaments which outclass every fans' expectation, and the fanbase this league has is infinite. The best of bests clubs face from across Europe come face-to-face to ensure tough yet wonderful performances.
#7 Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling is one of the finest dribblers across Europe, tormenting opposition defenders with his sheer pace, incredible dribbling skills, and fantastic goalscoring knack.
He is one of the best young talents in the world, and that gives him a spot on my article.
Despite not having a convincing start to this season's UCL campaign, not many would be willing to bet against him to score stunners and lead Manchester City to the later stages of the tournament.
The 23-year-old has plenty of years left with him, and Manchester City is probably the perfect club to improve. He'll face constant competition from the bench players which will in turn only help him prosper.
He sure is a world-class talent, and undoubtedly the future of England and Manchester City.
#6 Paulo Dybala
Dybala has been sensational for Juventus, with the 25-year-old bagging 68 goals and 25 assists so far in his short tenure with the Italian club. He is one of the most promising talents all across Europe and has been a consistent performer for Juve.
Dybala has the calibre to become the world’s best. He possesses sheer pace and incredible dribbling skills, not to underestimate his clinical finishing abilities though. Dybala alongside Ronaldo could blossom tremendously, as the Portuguese can play the role of a mentor for the Argentine.
His training videos alongside Ronaldo have generated plentiful likes for the duo, and Ronaldo as a mentor is a true blessing. Cristiano's knowledge and wisdom in this field will certainly come in use for the Argentine.
Though he was not included in the starting eleven for Juve against Valencia, he is likely to start in the next matchday against Swiss champions Young Boys.
#5 Gareth Bale
Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale is one of the best and most impressive wingers across Europe - thanks to his brilliant displays for Los Blancos and Wales.
Injuries have had a major impact in his career with Real Madrid till now, as the Welshman is sidelined for most of the season. A talented player like him should be electrifying the Champions League every season, but unfortunately, the bench has been a regular place for Bale.
However, his determination this season tells us that he's ready for the toughest of battles. His abilities and confidence forced Zidane and Perez to not let him leave the Santiago Bernabeu, despite him getting plenty of offers from Manchester United and PSG.
He has notched some brilliant goals last season and his goal against Roma this week was sensational, with the keeper nowhere close to saving that thunderbolt driven shot dispatched from Bale's left foot.
#4 Kylian Mbappe
A wonderboy, indeed. Kylian Mbappe has been the best young player at the World Cup 2018 in Russia, and he promises his fans plenty more years of showboating and success.
His striking partner Neymar has probably had a positive impact on him, as Mbappe seems to be improving tremendously. He scored the equaliser this week against Liverpool, only to see Firmino score a stunner against PSG to register a victory over the visitors.
However, Mbappe and co might have plans to come out big and they should, as the fans have a lot of expectations from them, after being knocked out in the Round of 16 three times in a row in three years from the Champions League.
Mbappe can be the one leading the army alongside Neymar, and they can be a tough contender for the Champions League this season.
He is arguably the best young player there is - thanks to his sensational displays for Monaco, PSG and the World Cup winners France.
#3 Ousmane Dembele
Not a dream start to his career with Barcelona, his first season consisted of just two things; injuries and criticisms. Well despite that, the 21-year-old has still managed to win respect and love from the Blaugrana fans.
Dembele’s insane pace helps him tear apart defences, and along with his speed, he possesses great control over the ball, making him one of the best dribblers in Europe.
He is highly talented and effective on the flanks, as he utilises his sheer pace to cut through defences, setting up his teammates pretty often for clear-cut goal-scoring chances.
His time with Dortmund was very impressive, with the Frenchman receiving several offers from different clubs around the globe, but in the end, he chose Barcelona as his future club.
After scoring a glorious goal in Barca's opening game against PSV in the Champions League, Dembele looks more confident than ever to win it all for the Blaugrana, putting the injury crisis behind him.
#2 Roberto Firmino
Firmino's talent and determination are indescribable.
His partnership alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane has been sensational, with the trio scoring 15+ goals in a single Champions League campaign last term. Their Premier League form has been on a similar level too.
Firmino came on in the 72nd minute against PSG and thundered a powerful shot in the 93rd minute of the game to win it all for Liverpool. It was an iconic moment, something he might never forget.
Although Salah outperformed him in the goals department, it looks increasingly like this season is one where Firmino flourishes more than his attacking teammates.
#1 Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi continues to excel and remain the star of the show every season, as he has been the most consistent player across Europe for a few seasons now.
His presence on the flanks is a threat to any defender. He penetrates into the box with immense speed and is arguably the best finisher there is.
Leo's ability to score goals and create plays never seems to deteriorate. The 31-year-old ages like wine, just getting better and better with years passing by.
However, Barcelona and Messi have not have had the best of campaigns in the Champions League for a few seasons now. They have been out in the quarter-finals three times in a row in three years, which is a big reason to worry.
Well, this season, Messi and co have commenced their UCL season with a huge win over PSV, with a hattrick to Messi's name as well.
