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Record UEFA Europa League winners Sevilla FC are set to take on Antonio Conte's Inter Milan in the 2020 UEFA Europa League final in Germany.
The two clubs have been in spectacular form this year, beating a host of impressive teams on their path to the final. Sevilla, in particular, dug out an inspiring 2-1 win over pre-tournament favourites Manchester United in the semi-finals.
Inter, on the other hand, were relegated to the UEL after failing to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16 from the group stages. The Nerazzurri were pitted against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, who were the two teams to qualify from their group. They are in fine form, however, and recently put five past a hapless Shakhtar Donetsk in the other semi-final.
With the two heavyweights set to battle it out for European glory at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Friday, here, we take a look at the five players to keep an eye out for in the game.
#5 Sergio Reguilon | Sevilla FC
Sevilla's all-action full-back Sergio Reguilon has been one of the standout defenders in the UEL as well as LaLiga Santander this year. The Spaniard, who is on loan from Real Madrid, has impressed profoundly with his displays and was on top of his game against United in the semi-finals as well, assisting Suso's equaliser.
Reguilon has all the attributes that modern full-backs need to thrive. The 23-year-old has been a staple for Julen Lopetegui, the man who preferred to use him over Marcelo at Real Madrid, and has worked very well along with Jesus Navas as Sevilla's wide threats.
The Spaniard will undoubtedly have a crucial role to play for Sevilla in the final, given that he'll have to handle the threat of Inter's wing-back as well as the striker. Romelu Lukaku loves running the channels, which means Reguilon could lock horns with the Belgian. It could prove to be a great audition for the Premier League clubs vying for his signature.
#4 Lautaro Martinez | Inter Milan
Lautaro Martinez has had a superb season with Inter Milan alongside Lukaku at the tip of their attack. The Argentine, who is likely to leave at the end of the season amidst strong interest from FC Barcelona, has been pivotal to Inter's largely successful run on both the domestic and continental fronts.
It is in Europe, though, where Lautaro has been at his devastating best. Across ten games in the UCL and UEL this year, the Barcelona target has scored seven goals and set up a further one goal, leading Inter to the final. In fact, it was Lautaro who opened the scoring in Inter's semi-final, and ended the night with two out of their five goals on the night.
He has shown a knack for delivering under pressure situations going by the fact that the 22-year-old has scored more opening goals for the Nerazzurri than anyone else. The man referred to as 'El Toro' is certainly a player to keep an eye on.
Also read: Most expensive footballers in the world in each position
#3 Jules Kounde | Sevilla FC
One of the most promising young defenders in the world at the moment, tomorrow will mark the end of what has been a breakthrough season for young Jules Kounde. The Sevilla star has been on top of his game this year, showing qualities such as maturity on the ball and composure under pressure that belie his age.
Zinedine Zidane is reportedly a huge admirer of the young Frenchman, who has been vital to Sevilla's success. He has formed a robust partnership with Diego Carlos at the heart of the Spanish side's defence. The 21-year-old has an immense leap on him, is a very efficient ball-winner and is seems to know how to make smart decisions on the ball despite his inexperience. Rather surprisingly for his stature, Kounde also offers a threat from set-pieces.
Sevilla paid Bordeaux €25m for Kounde ahead of last summer, and the record UEL winners could make a hefty profit on that fee given the interest that Kounde has garnered over the previous year. He was colossal during the semi-finals as well, expertly marshalling the devastating Manchester United front line.
#2 Romelu Lukaku | Inter Milan
What a season Inter Milan's talismanic leader in attack has had. Romelu Lukaku could not have asked for a better debut season with his new club, and is just one goal away from having the best-ever debut season by any Inter player (Ronaldo Nazario scored 34).
Lukaku's 23 Serie A goals aside, the Belgian has been scintillating in the UEL as well, scoring six goals despite having just four starts. He was unstoppable on the night as Inter ran riot over Shakhtar, scoring two spectacular goals against the Ukrainians. The 27-year-old also has an assist to show for in the competition along with his goals and tireless shifts for his side.
The former Manchester United forward would have hoped to meet his old side in the final, but will now be tasked with leading the Nerazzurri against the record champions on the competition. Lukaku will undoubtedly be Inter's main threat in attack, and his partnership with Lautaro at the top could cause Sevilla all sorts of problems.
#1 Ever Banega | Sevilla FC
Julen Lopetegui's experienced midfield controller Ever Banega was the star of the show for Sevilla in the UEL knockout stages. The Argentine looks better than ever, effortlessly gliding around the middle, controlling possession of the ball and overseeing Sevilla's midfield proceedings with utter ease.
Banega has been a colossal player for Sevilla's European ambitions, and has loads of experience playing in the UEL. He was in sublime touch against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United in the two previous games, winning the midfield battle and ultimately helped his side prevail victorious. The 32-year-old helped break down a rugged Wolves side by coming up with a perfectly-weighted dink into the penalty area, recording his tenth assist from midfield this year.
Unfortunately for Lopetegui and co, Banega is expected to swap LaLiga for the riches of the Middle East at the end of their UEL run. However, having already won the competition thrice in three years under Unai Emery, a win in the final would be the perfect parting present for the experienced Argentine.
Also read: Top 10 players with the most assists in Europe this season (2019-20)
