The banquet of football excellence continues in the Last 16 with four more ties for us to feast on next week. With so much to look forward to, we’ve taken a closer look at some of the key individuals to watch out for as some of Europe’s finest youngsters step onto the biggest stage of them all.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi – Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Chelsea has given English youngster, Callum Hudson-Odoi a fresh start at the club as the 20-year-old has played his way into the German’s team. Hudson-Odoi’s versatility has given his manager several different options, which has seen the pacey winger operate out wide on the flank, in the number 10 role and most effectively as a wing back. Hudson-Odoi was subject of interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe during the transfer window but is now definitely a key figure to Chelsea and a mainstay in Tuchel’s side.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – Lazio
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic seems to be returning to his best after a lengthy spell in the shadows. The towering Serbian playmaker made his name when we earned a spot in the Italian Serie A Team of the Year back in the 2017/18 season and then going on to win the Best Midfielder accolade the following campaign. The 25-year-old has five goals in the Italian Serie A and has assisted his teammates seven times. In addition, Milinkovic-Savic won the MVP of the Month award in January. With Lazio facing a mammoth test in the shape of Bayern Munich, the Serbian will be key if the Italian outfit are to provide one of the shocks of the tournament.
Marten De Roon – Atalanta
With Atalanta known for being one of the most free-scoring and fearless teams across Europe, we tend to focus just on their attack and ignore the other part of their game plan. Anchoring one of the most ruthless attacks is no easy task, but that is what is asked of Netherlands international, Marten De Roon. The Dutchman offers a solid defensive screen to protect their backline, which often consists of just two defenders considering the number of players Atalanta bomb forward with. With Real Madrid looking far from the team we’ve known them to be in the recent past, expect the Italian side to approach the game in gung-ho fashion, leaving plenty of responsibility on the 29-year-old’s hands as he looks to break up any counter-attacks.
Ferran Torres – Manchester City
It may not be the name that many expect to cause the danger for Manchester City, but Ferran Torres has been Pep Guardiola’s go-to winger in the UEFA Champions League this season. The 20-year-old Spanish prodigy has been starved of football domestically, but has shone in Europe’s elite tournament, netting four times in five appearances for City – the club’s top scorer in the Champions League this term. With Manchester City facing a bit of a congested fixture schedule, Guardiola could tinker with his team. Torres could do what he has done all season and take his opportunity with both hands in Europe’s elite competition.
Written by Jesse Nagel
