Napoli vs. Barcelona; Key players to watch in UEFA Champions League contest

Napoli would welcome the threat Spanish giants would be coming into this match with as hostility ensues in Italian Arena on Wednesday night.

It promises to be a key game to watch in Europe this week as both sides square up with each other in a highly entertaining contest.

With quality abound in these two teams there are quality players we can expect to look forward to in this pulsating encounter.

Here, Allnews.ng would take a look at some of the key players to watch as Barcelona takes the trip to face Italian side Napoli in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League contest.

Victor Osimhen (Striker, SSC Napoli)

The Napoli star Victor Osimhen will be on the spotlight yet again as he inspired his country Nigeria to AFCON 2023 final where they eventually lost the trophy to the host Nation Ivory Coast.

He would be saddled with the task to trouble the Barcelona defence whish we all know have not been convincing this term.

The Nigerian star (Osimhen) ended the AFCON 2023 with just a single goal which came against Equatorial Guinea in the opening match for the Nigerian side.

However, he flourished alongside the duo of Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman particularly in the Super Eagles attack.

So we expect him to make things difficult for the Barcelona defence line while he can also aid Napoli with a goal or more in this contest.

Robert Lewandowski (Striker, FC Barcelona)

The Polish striker has justified that he deserve to stay at Nou Camp as against the likes of Peirre-Emerick-Aubameyang and Memphis Depay that made way for his arrival at FC Barcelona a year ago.

He notched a braced at the weekend to inspire Barcelona’s narrow 2-1 win over Celta Vigo.

He has been a huge asset to the Catalan side all season and he would be expected to produce the goals his side would be yearning I this match.

While we also hope to see him link up well in aplomb with Brazil youngster who newly joined the club from his native country Brazil.

There combo (Robert Lewandowski and Vitor Roque) and understanding would be under view in this match.

We expect Lewandowski to lead on this regard by virtue of his immense experience in the UEFA Champions League over the years.

Ikay Gundogan (Midfielder, Barcelona)

The German playmaker would be on show once again after he played a pivotal role in helping Manchester City win the UEFA Champions League last season.

He would be bringing his experience and winning mentality in this match as we know him of his immense character on and off the pitch.

With him the visitors Barcelona had a huge chance of leaving Italy with a positive result as he would be in charge of playmaking for his side in the midfield areas.

With the quality of his passes from the central areas, we expect the duo of Robert Lewandowski and Vitor Roque to thrive in transition as Barcelona aim to make the most of their 90 minute clash on the pitch against SSC Napoli.