'%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 comes waltzing back into our lives this week and it will bring wonderful entertainment with it.
The knockout stages are an important level in this competition and proper coordination of the teams on the pitch could see them through to the next round.
However, there are instances where a particular player's magical artistry and sheer determination changes the whole landscape of a game and earns their respective teams, an opportunity to move ahead.
Here are 5 players who could dominate the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League
#5 Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
Manchester City has been on a roll this season by being the most dominant Premier League side in years. Much of that domination has come from De Bruyne's ability to play complete football with his teammates.
He is one of the best midfielders on the planet and his ability to do magical things with the ball could be on full display when they face Basel in the round of 16.
The Belgian has all the talent in the world and will look to prove his worth as a complete player and dominate the midfield area with his perfect through balls and passes.
His accuracy in terms of passing, crossing, creating chances and shooting is superb and, his growth as a midfielder could make him a serious Ballon d'Or contender in the nearest future.
#4 Neymar (PSG)
He is one of the best players in Brazilian history and can change the entire game with his speed and unmatched agility.
Neymar will try and give a career-best performance for his side when PSG squares off against Real Madrid in a marquee match.
The Brazilian is a huge threat while attacking and, considering that Madrid has not shown much in terms of ability to deliver this season, it would be an ideal time for the PSG superstar to crash the party.
Neymar should win the Ballon d'Or soon and his ability to play beautiful attacking football could change the whole landscape and, see the French club through to the next round.
If there's a momentous time for this young superstar to deliver, it's right now.
#3 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
There may be conflicting opinions regarding the unfortunate departure of Phil Coutinho but, there's no denying that there's one Liverpool man who has taken football by storm this season and that man is Mo Salah.
He has been wonderful throughout the season and has produced some of the most decisive goals for the team when required.
It's an obvious fact that Jurgen Klopp would want the team to focus on playing total football and even if they go on to play some great counter-attacking football, expect 'the King of Egypt' to be leading them from the front.
The team's next match is against F.C. Porto and this man's inclusion in the field could do wonders for the team.
It remains to be seen if the "Pharaoh" will produce another stunning performance to see Liverpool through to the quarter-finals.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
The defending champions might have disappointed legions of fans by their poor performances this season but, when it comes to the Champions League, they push the envelope and are almost always certain to produce results.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the strong force behind Madrid's climb back to the top of the mountain and all eyes will be on when Los Merengues face PSG in the star match of the round of 16.
The match is bound to be a thriller with both sides trying to overcome the other but a sensational display from Ronaldo could dump the French side out on their backside.
Real Madrid has always displayed its best qualities in Champions League football and Ronaldo's magic could bring that winning edge back to the side.
#1 Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
This man has made a career out of delivering fantastic moments on the pitch and producing for his side when needed the most.
Messi is a favorite to win the Ballon d'Or this year and would do everything in his power to stop Chelsea in a glamour round of 16 tie.
Barcelona has been on a roll this season and, their performances could definitely see them take the Champions League home.
Messi is the most dangerous player in the game and now has a veteran's approach to these competitive games.
Considering that Chelsea has not been brilliant this season, a guy like Messi could take advantage of any errors and punish them as he has failed to do in previous encounters.
Expect the magician to produce another sensational performance and possibly go all the way to the final of the UEFA Champions League.
