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In what will be the most eye-catching match in the quarterfinal stage of this season's UEFA Champions League, Barcelona clash against title favourites and treble-chasing Bayern Munich on Friday evening.
Two of Europe's biggest clubs, both Barcelona and Bayern Munich are coming off emphatic Round of 16 wins to secure a place in this fixture. Barcelona banked on a first-half attacking flurry to see off Napoli whereas Bayern Munich added insult to Chelsea's injury by beating them 4-1 on the night and 7-1 on aggregate.
The rosters of both clubs are two of the deepest in all of Europe, with top-quality players in every position. There is enough personnel on either side who are capable of taking over a game to push their team over the line.
From Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi to Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller, there is certainly no lack of offensive quality in either team. As a result, the responsibility of winning this match might land on the shoulders of the midfielders, defenders and goalkeepers - as there is a good chance that both attacks might nullify each other.
On that note, let's take a look at five players you need to watch out for in Barcelona's Champions League quarterfinal with Bayern Munich.
Also see what is Lionel Messi Net Worth here.
Five players to watch out for Barcelona's Champions League quarterfinal with Bayern Munich:
#5: Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich's 19-year-old Canadian sensation Alphonso Davies is already gunning for top spot among players in his position.
The teenager doesn't turn 20 until November this year, but a lack of experience hasn't stopped the youngster from dominating games from the left-back position. He's considered one of the few elite footballers on the planet in his position; given his tender age, it is quite an achievement.
The speedster will have to play one of the best games of his young career against Barcelona if Bayern Munich are to get one over their old rivals. He will be tasked with keeping none other than Lionel Messi at bay, while also contending with additional trouble in the form of Nelson Semedo who loves venturing forward.
Davies' greatest asset is his athleticism, which allows him to run up and down the left flank, as he contributes heavily in both attack and defence. His presence on the offensive end is often key for Bayern Munich to set up to play, and he'll have to do well to balance his two duties against Barcelona on Friday.
#4: Clement Lenglet (Barcelona)
25-year-old centre-back Clement Lenglet has been Barcelona's best defender in the 2019-20 season, and the Catalans will need nothing less than another solid performance at the back from the Frenchman.
Bayern Munich are one of the fiercest offensive teams in the world right now, while the Blaugrana's defence has looked far from convincing this season.
Lenglet has been a bright spot in a Barcelona defence guilty of making one error too many. He has shown impressive composure on the ball, and his aerial ability has improved significantly.
He's truly one of the world's best in his position, and rightfully so. His presence was one of the main reasons why Barcelona have found themselves in the Champions League quarterfinals in the first place. His goal against Napoli settled Barcelona's nerves early on, and he coupled that with great defending in the second half to ensure that his club qualified comfortably to the next round.
Against Bayern Munich, Lenglet will be tasked with keeping arguably the best striker in football currently - Robert Lewandowski - quiet. Bayern's offence flows through Lewandowski, and Barcelonaa will take a massive step towards qualification if Lenglet has a memorable game.
#3: Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (Barcelona)
Two of the greatest German goalkeepers of this era will be on display on Friday night when the legendary Manuel Neuer will look to prove a point against his counterpart Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
It is a popular belief that Ter Stegen is perhaps the better of the two shot-stoppers right now, but Neuer's legacy and experience have meant that he is still the German national team's first choice to don the gloves.
So, in a crunch match like a Champions League quarterfinal, which the whole world will be watching, Barcelona's goalkeeping hero Marc-Andre ter Stegen will have the perfect opportunity to prove a point or two. Ter Stegen can potentially steal the limelight right in front of his countryman's eye by keeping the likes of Lewandowski, Gnabry and Muller out.
Given his team's frequently shaky defence, Ter Stegen will get plenty of chances to showcase his unbelievable quality to keep the best of the best out. Many times already this season, Barcelona have relied on him to bail them out of situations where they were opened up, something they are likely to do against Bayern Munich as well.
It's a potentially big night ahead for the 28-year-old.
#2: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
As already mentioned before, when we're talking about Lewandowski these days, we aren't talking about one of the best strikers in the world like we have been for years now. We are very likely talking about the best number nine in the world, such has been the kind of goal-scoring form the Pole has been in.
Lewandowski narrowly missed out on the European Golden Boot to Ciro Immobile, after scoring a ridiculous 34 goals in only 31 games in the Bundesliga this season. He also has 13 goals in the Champions League so far and is threatening to break Cristiano Ronaldo's single-season record of 17.
Bayern Munich's Polish marksman is an almost impossible man to stop right now. He is the form of his life, and everything he touches turns to gold. And everything he kicks, turns into goals.
Talking about impossible men to stop...
#1: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
How can you not watch out for Lionel Messi when he is playing? Arguably the greatest player to have ever kicked a football, the Argentine is a man on a mission right now.
He is the most complete version of an attacking footballer one can dream of. His ability to score or provide assists for others are both equally incredible. Truth be told, Messi simply cannot be defended when he's at the top of his game.
The wait for the Champions League to return to Camp Nou is now in it's fifth season, and Messi has promised the Blaugrana faithful that he will make it happen.
With only three games to win in order to lift the big ears this season, Messi knows one last flurry of legendary performances is all it might take to get his team the sixth Champions League trophy in their history.
Don't blink when Leo is on the ball! It only takes him a split second to make things happen. Bayern Munich have been suitably warned.
