With the Champions League at the knockout stage, here’s a look at one unsung hero from each of the 16 sides left vying for the continent’s most-prized crown.
Pablo Sarabia (Paris Saint-Germain)
Sarabia has quietly become a factor at Paris Saint-Germain following a summer move from Sevilla. A selfless provider whose movement creates opportunities for PSG’s stacked forward line, Sarabia, 27, has thrived in combination with Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria, and his performance in the team’s 5-0 win over Galatasaray was faultless.
Achraf Hakimi (Borussia Dortmund)
Moroccan right-back Hakimi was arguably Dortmund‘s best player during the group stage, scoring a team-high four goals and producing a masterclass in the pivotal 3-2 win over Inter. The 21-year-old – who’s still on Real Madrid’s books – benefits from a variety of two-way talents, including keen dribbling and passing. He and Jadon Sancho on the same wing is a bit unfair.
Casemiro (Real Madrid)
It seems almost ill-advised to call one of football’s best defensive midfielders an underrated talent, but Casemiro has been discreetly elite this season amid a stacked squad. The Brazilian ranks fifth in the Champions League …read more