The Champions League Round of 16: Where Heroes Are Made
The Champions League is entering its most critical phase as the round of 16 kicks off this week. After 160 matches, the competition has narrowed down to the most pivotal encounters, with 29 games left to decide the ultimate winner. While the spotlight often shines on the biggest names in football, the success of any team in this tournament depends on more than just superstar power. It’s the under-the-radar players, those who have consistently delivered without the same level of fanfare, who often make the difference in the most high-stakes moments.
This season, several players have emerged as key figures despite flying under the radar. Whether it’s a young talent breaking into the spotlight, a workhorse defender, or a dynamic winger, these individuals are poised to shape the outcome of the Champions League. Eight football experts from The Athletic have highlighted their top picks for players to watch in the round of 16. Let’s dive into their selections and uncover the stories of these unsung heroes.
Desire Doue: The Joyful Spark for PSG
Desire Doue, the 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger, is a name that sounds as promising as it gets—“Desired Gifted.” Signed for a whopping €50 million in the summer, Doue has been thrust into the spotlight, and he’s thriving under the pressure. His journey at PSG wasn’t straightforward at first; by mid-December, he had started just four games and shown only fleeting glimpses of his dribbling and creativity. But a pivotal moment arrived when he scored his first goal for the club in a crucial Champions League win against Red Bull Salzburg.
Since then, Doue has been a revelation. His performance in PSG’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City in January was a standout, where he tormented defender Josko Gvardiol with his unpredictable moves. While he initially played on the right of the front three, his true potential lies in a deeper role, where his ability to carry the ball from midfield adds a new dimension to Luis Enrique’s team. Doue’s story is one of resilience and adaptation, proving that even the most hyped young players can carve out their own path.
Igor Paixao: Feyenoord’s Energizer Bunny
Igor Paixao is the kind of winger who doesn’t just play football—he attacks it with relentless energy and infectious enthusiasm. The 24-year-old Brazilian has been Feyenoord’s standout performer this season, earning comparisons to a “shaken-up soda can” for his boundless dynamism. Paixao’s standout moment came in Feyenoord’s knockout play-off against Milan, where he terrorized Kyle Walker with his direct running and even scored the winning goal, albeit with a helping hand from poor goalkeeping.
Paixao’s impact extends beyond that single performance. He played a crucial role in Feyenoord’s stunning comeback against Manchester City, setting up a late equalizer, and has contributed four assists in the Champions League this season. His speed, directness, and ability to create chaos in the opposition’s half make him a nightmare for defenders. With interest from top clubs like Arsenal and Tottenham, Paixao is on the verge of a big move. For now, he’s Feyenoord’s key man as they prepare to face Inter in the round of 16.
Benjamin Pavard: The Silent Guardian at Inter
When it comes to Inter Milan, it’s hard to pick an “under-the-radar” player since Simone Inzaghi’s squad is packed with talent. However, Benjamin Pavard stands out as the unsung hero of the team. A World Cup and Champions League winner, Pavard has been a consistent presence in Inter’s back three since joining in 2023. His role as the wide center-back requires more than just defensive prowess; it demands adaptability and composure in attack.
Pavard’s ability to step into midfield and support the build-up phase has been crucial for Inter. His underlapping runs have also become an effective tactic against deep-lying defenses. Despite his success at Bayern Munich and with France, Pavard rarely gets the credit he deserves. Yet, his quiet brilliance has been a cornerstone of Inter’s defensive stability. As Inter seeks to make a deep run in the Champions League, Pavard’s reliability will be key.
Vangelis Pavlidis: Benfica’s Rising Goal-Scorer
Vangelis Pavlidis, the Greek striker, is living his childhood dream. At 15, he imagined playing in front of 65,000 fans on a Champions League night; now, he’s seizing the opportunity. Pavlidis has been on the fringes of European football for years, scoring consistently in the Europa and Conference Leagues. After a slow start at Benfica, he has exploded into life, scoring 10 goals in his last nine matches.
His heroics in a 5-4 defeat to Barcelona, where he netted a hat-trick, were a sign of things to come. Pavlidis’ ability to linger on the shoulder of the last defender and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense makes him a constant threat. As Benfica prepares to face Barcelona again in the round of 16, Pavlidis will have another chance to prove himself on the biggest stage. Only a few players have scored more Champions League goals than Pavlidis this season, and he’s ready to take his tally even higher.
Raphael Onyedika: Club Brugge’s Midfield Anchor
Raphael Onyedika, the 23-year-old Nigerian midfielder, is the embodiment of intelligence and instinct. According to Pep Guardiola, Onyedika is the “holding midfielder” who holds everything together for Club Brugge. His ability to read the game and be in the right place at the right time is uncanny. Onyedika’s dynamic and combative style of play has caught the attention of top clubs like Aston Villa, Milan, and PSG.
Despite his youth, Onyedika has already shown maturity beyond his years. His red card against Milan was a rare misstep, but his overall contribution to Brugge has been invaluable. As Brugge faces Aston Villa in the round of 16, Onyedika’s ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively will be crucial. He may not be the most glamorous player, but his influence on the pitch is undeniable.
Lucas Chevalier: Lille’s Young Goalkeeping Sensation
Lucas Chevalier, Lille’s 23-year-old goalkeeper, is the youngest regular starter in the Champions League this season. Despite his inexperience, he has been a standout performer, earning praise for his exceptional shot-stopping. Chevalier’s ability to prevent goals is highlighted by post-shot expected goals (PSxG) data, which shows he has saved nearly three more goals than an average goalkeeper would.
Chevalier’s heroics in Lille’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid, where he made five saves, including a one-on-one stop against Endrick, showcased his potential. While he may not dominate aerial battles or act as a sweeper-keeper, his distribution and decision-making are top-notch. As Lille aims to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, Chevalier will need to be at his best.
The Unsung Heroes: Why They Matter
The Champions League is often dominated by the world’s biggest stars, but it’s the unsung heroes who often make the difference in the most critical moments. Players like Doue, Paixao, Pavard, Pavlidis, Onyedika, and Chevalier may not always grab the headlines, but their performances have been instrumental to their teams’ success.
As the round of 16 unfolds, these players will have the chance to write their own stories on the biggest stage in club football. Whether it’s through a moment of brilliance, a defensive masterclass, or sheer determination, they have the power to shape the destiny of the competition. For football fans, this is what makes the Champions League so special—it’s not just about the superstars; it’s about the unexpected heroes who rise to the occasion.
