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Group D
Xabi Alonso, Bayern Munich
This could be the Spaniard's last shot at joining Clarence Seedorf and becoming the second player in history to win the Champions League with three different clubs. Legendary at Liverpool and Real Madrid, he is still going strong at almost 35, but that is probably his last season at Allianz Arena. Can we expect a goal from the halfway line?
Nicolas Gaitan, Atletico Madrid
The Argentine midfielder spent six years at Benfica despite constant rumours every summer. Now that he has finally left for a bigger club, this is his chance to prove his worth. A true flair player and crowd pleaser, Gaitan, 28, is also a hard worker admired by Diego Simeone. He could be the game-changer.
Gaston Pereiro, PSV Eindhoven
The Uruguayan winger has Alvaro Recoba's face tattooed on his arm and was compared to Robin van Persie in the Netherlands. Left-footed and unpredictable, Pereiro, 21, loves to dribble and entertain, and dreams of playing for Real Madrid alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, yet another idol. Scoring against Atletico won't hurt his chances.
Sardar Azmoun, Rostov
The skilful striker is definitely the most intriguing player in a combative Rostov lineup. The 21-year-old, nicknamed the "Iranian Messi," scored nine goals as his team sensationally finished second in Russia last season ahead of Zenit, and then found the net against both Anderlecht and Ajax in the Champions League qualifiers. Protege of coach Kurban Berdyev, Azmoun is making progress on a monthly basis.
Group D
Xabi Alonso, Bayern Munich
This could be the Spaniard's last shot at joining Clarence Seedorf and becoming the second player in history to win the Champions League with three different clubs. Legendary at Liverpool and Real Madrid, he is still going strong at almost 35, but that is probably his last season at Allianz Arena. Can we expect a goal from the halfway line?
Nicolas Gaitan, Atletico Madrid
The Argentine midfielder spent six years at Benfica despite constant rumours every summer. Now that he has finally left for a bigger club, this is his chance to prove his worth. A true flair player and crowd pleaser, Gaitan, 28, is also a hard worker admired by Diego Simeone. He could be the game-changer.
Gaston Pereiro, PSV Eindhoven
The Uruguayan winger has Alvaro Recoba's face tattooed on his arm and was compared to Robin van Persie in the Netherlands. Left-footed and unpredictable, Pereiro, 21, loves to dribble and entertain, and dreams of playing for Real Madrid alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, yet another idol. Scoring against Atletico won't hurt his chances.
Sardar Azmoun, Rostov
The skilful striker is definitely the most intriguing player in a combative Rostov lineup. The 21-year-old, nicknamed the "Iranian Messi," scored nine goals as his team sensationally finished second in Russia last season ahead of Zenit, and then found the net against both Anderlecht and Ajax in the Champions League qualifiers. Protege of coach Kurban Berdyev, Azmoun is making progress on a monthly basis.
Sardar Azmoun
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