5 players top clubs should drop from their starting lineups in the Champions League

#2 Bayern Munich - Arturo Vidal

Although he disappointed many clubs with a move from Juventus to Bayern Munich last summer, that is about the extent of headlines he has made at the Bavarian club – at least on the pitch. The Chilean midfielder has struggled to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s tactics and his career trajectory seems to have plateaued in the Bundesliga.

Guardiola’s formations have depended on a tactically astute midfielder to hold the side together but Vidal’s indiscipline to position himself correctly has seen the Spanish manager get frustrated on more than one occasion.

Vidal had started his career at Bayern brightly, putting in a shift in defence while keeping the ball with authority. At the time, it seemed they had found an able replacement for the ageing Bastian Schweinsteiger who had made the move to Manchester United.

But apart from his seemingly bare-minimum performances on the pitch, the Chilean’s off-field activities is what may lead to his downfall. A drunk-driving accident before the Copa America was just the start. He was then accused of being the mole in the Bayern dressing room for leaking Guardiola’s strict travel regulations after most players returned from the winter break out of shape.

Bayern face Juventus in the Round of 16 – Vidal’s former team. Currently on a 12-match unbeaten run in all competitions (18 wins in their last 21), last year’s UCL finalists now have a midfield led by the indomitable Paul Pogba along with the experienced Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio.

Should Guardiola look to bring Philipp Lahm back into midfield alongside Xabi Alonso instead?