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UEFA Champions League action for the 2021-22 campaign kicks off on Tuesday. The standout fixture on Matchday 1 is the clash between European giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona at the Camp Nou.
The last time these two sides squared off was in August 2020, in a one-legged quarter-final. Bayern Munich were rampant that night, beating Barcelona 8-2 en route to winning the continental treble that season.
While the German giants have most of their players from that big win still in their squad, Barcelona will field a much-changed side. The Blaugrana will enter the continental competition without Lionel Messi for the first time in 17 years.
Nevertheless, both teams have some of Europe's most experienced and promising young talents in their ranks. So when they go head-to-head for the 12th time in the competition on Tuesday, there could be a few standout individual performances.
On that note, here's a look at the five players to watch out for when Barcelona and Bayern Munich lock horns:
#5 Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
Jamal Musiala had a breakthrough campaign last season, and has now become a regular for Bayern Munich. He is one of the many highly rated attacking talents to have come out of Chelsea's youth system. Musiala has scored 11 goals for Bayern Munich at just 18.
On Saturday, he proved his big-game calibre, producing a Man-of-the-Match display against RB Leipzig. He did so despite coming on as a substitute following an injury to Serge Gnabry.
In the second half, Musiala produced a thumping first-time finish. Just seven minutes later, he turned the provider for Leroy Sane. Musiala has the skills of a top attack-minded player, and could be a threat for Barcelona on Tuesday.
#4 Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Barcelona have always relied on their midfield for inspiration. This season, Frenkie de Jong has been one of their most impressive players thus far. The Dutch international has provided stability in midfield with his solid defensive displays and sublime distribution of the ball.
So far, he has picked up two assists, and posted a pass completion rate of 91%. De Jong has the ability to pull strings from the middle of the park. He is one of the players who could shoulder the responsibility to lead Barcelona's resurgence this season.
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#3 Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
If Barcelona have Frenkie De Jong, Bayern Munich have Joshua Kimmich pulling the strings in the middle of the park. The 26-year-old has featured in all games so far under Julian Nagelsmann, providing a calm presence in front of the defensive line.
Goalkeepers and centre-backs aside, Kimmich attempts more long balls than any other outfield Bundesliga player. That also helps him create a plethora of goalscoring chances. After four league games this season, he has averaged 2.5 key passes a game.
Kimmich has three assists to his name this campaign. He could be the midfield general Bayern Munich may need against Barcelona to kick off their Champions League campaign with a win.
#2 Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
Some things never change. With just four games played in the Bundesliga, Robert Lewandowski is atop the goalscoring charts, scoring six times for Bayern Munich so far.
He was on target in Bayern Munich's 4-1 statement win over RB Leipzig, scoring from the spot. Lewandowski is a goal-scoring threat every time he steps onto the pitch.
The Polish striker also has three assists to his name this campaign. He will look to get on the scoresheet against the Blaugrana, having scored only once in the historic 8-2 drubbing over them last year.
#1 Memphis Depay (Barcelona)
When Barcelona kick off their Champions League campaign on Tuesday, they will be without Lionel Messi, the second-most prolific goalscorer in competition history. But they'll hope that their summer signing, Memphis Depay, steps up against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.
The former Manchester United forward has been in great form in 2021. He is coming off a successful international break with the Netherlands, scoring five goals and picking up an assist.
Barcelona have relied on Depay for goals this season. Depay has scored two of their seven La Liga goals and provided an assist this campaign. He is in great touch, and could be one to watch out for on Tuesday.
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