Alexander Isak to Estevao: Premier League clubs’ next breakout stars ready to deliver Champions League glory
Alexander Isak is just one of the game-changers likely to be key for one of the six Premier League clubs to claim the highly-coveted Champions League trophy.
The start of the Premier League season has gradually warmed up the players to battle it out for Europe’s most lucrative title.
Questions still remain over whether certain stars will feature in the Champions League including whether Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson is eligible to face his parent club Chelsea.
Moreover, polarising squad selections have divided supporters with Tottenham fans upset over Mathys Tel’s exclusion from the Champions League squad.
With more Englsih top-flight sides battling it out in the monumental continental competition than ever before, there are a whole host of potential match-deciders who will be crucial for European success.
Arsenal – Noni Madueke
Mikel Arteta went extremely close to winning the Champions League last season before Arsenal fell to eventual victors PSG in the semi-finals.
In response, the Spaniard went large in the summer transfer market and brought in unwanted Chelsea star Noni Madueke.
Originally unwanted by many who follow the Gunners, the England international has shone thus far with Arsenal fans eating their words after Madueke’s performance against Nottingham Forest.
In the absence of Bukayo Saka, the 23-year-old will be vital to provide lightning speed down the right-hand side with his dynamite dribbling an incredible attribute for Arteta to exploit.
Chelsea – Estevao
The Club World Cup and Conference League champions come into the tournament with high expectations of going far into the competition.
The size of the squad lends itself for Enzo Maresca to masterfully manage his resources during the upcoming fixture congestion.
Brazilian superstar Estevao will be one of the less-established players who could be about to lead the Champions League title charge down the right-hand side with his gifted dribbling.
The 18-year-old has already picked up one assist in two starts in the Premier League and will definitely not be scared by the prospect of playing the biggest teams on the continent.
Moreover, with Cole Palmer coming back from injury, Estevao will be able to cover astutely for the Englishman in the midweek as he builds up his match fitness.
Liverpool – Alexander Isak
Deemed not fit for the narrow 1-0 victory over Burnley, the most expensive player in British history could be set for his debut for his new club.
Arne Slot said Isak will be in contention for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid on 17 September which will be music to the ears of Reds fans.
Although the Premier League champions remain undefeated in the league, their attack has not been clicking 100 per cent.
The former Newcastle United talisman’s selfish goalscoring ability will be required if Liverpool want to win the Champions League for the first time since 2019.
Man City – Gianluigi Donnarumma
Pep Guardiola knew what he was doing when he brought in the towering Italian who looked imperious in Man City’s 3-0 victory over Man United on 14 September.
The 26-year-old has extensive experience from his time playing at Champions League holders PSG and the Cityzens will need every ounce of his knowhow to challenge for the trophy.
Last season, the Spaniard’s side were dramatically knocked out by Real Madrid after a turbulent European campaign which the three-time Champions League-winning manager would like to quickly rectify.
James Trafford’s inexperience could lead to the collapse of the blue half of Manchester in the tournament but with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s solidity, City could march on to victory.
Newcastle United – Nick Woltemade
The injury suffered by Yoane Wissa will see man-mountain Nick Woltemade become the essential striker for Eddie Howe for the foreseeable future.
On his debut the German notched a match-winning header which instantly endeared him to St James’ Park as they now turn their attention to Europe.
Absent from the previous tournament, Newcastle United will be eager to go further in the competition than when they were knocked out of the group stages in 2023-24.
Woltemade’s stature and strength will trouble defences as the Toon look to push forward in the wake of Isak’s exit from Tyneside.
Tottenham – Xavi Simons
Both James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski look likely to play little part in the continental competition but new signing Xavi Simons will be raring to go.
The Dutchman made his debut against West Ham on 13 September and grabbed an assist on what was otherwise a quiet performance for the former RB Leipzig maestro.
However, his experience in the Champions League will see the 22-year-old come to life as he pins down the number 10 role in Thomas Frank’s system.
With no other alternative for the centre-attacking midfielder role, I’m fully expecting the number seven to be the creative force to push Tottenham to new heights in the tournament.