A spot in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League will be at stake when RB Leipzig face Atletico Madrid on Thursday night. The two clubs are set to play each other for the first time ever in a European competition.
There are many key players that are capable of being difference makers in this fixture. Atletico have stars such as João Félix while Leipzig have a wealth of up and coming talent. Now that the highly anticipated match has arrived, here are three key players for Leipzig in this quarter-final.
Three Key Players for RB Leipzig
Patrik Schick: The Man to Replace Werner Against Atletico?
The post-Timo Werner era has arrived at Leipzig. After a stellar career for the club, Werner has moved on to feature at Chelsea. As a result, Leipzig must now turn to the other striker on their team sheet for goals. Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick will be the man tasked with replacing the void left by Werner.
Schick has performed well for Leipzig domestically this season. He scored ten goals in 22 appearances during the Bundesliga campaign. However, the goals have not come as easy in the Champions League. Schick is yet to record a goal in a Champions League fixture.
Leipzig will need Schick to be at his best in this match. If they are to defeat Atletico, their striker is going to have to perform exceptionally. For Schick, it’s a real chance to make an impact for a club where he has fared much better when compared with his time at Roma. There’s no better time for him to score his first Champions League goal, either, as Leipzig look to reach the next round.
Dayot Upamecano: Leipzig’s Leader
Dayot Upamecano is one of the best up and coming centre-backs in the world. The French defender has earned high praise during his time with Leipzig, and rightly so. Against Atletico, he is going to have to be the defensive leader for Leipzig. They are surely going to be tested with the talent Atletico have in players such as Joao Felix and Alvaro Morata.
After a strong showing against Tottenham Hotspur in the Round of 16 fixtures, too, Upamecano is really beginning to show he is capable of becoming one of the best centre-backs in the world. A strong performance against Atletico could further solidify his place among the best.
Dani Olmo: The Man to Cause Atletico Problems for Leipzig
One of Leipzig’s top signings of the season was the acquisition of 22-year-old Dani Olmo. The former Barcelona academy player is one of the many young talents Leipzig have on their team. Though he is yet to make a Champions League appearance for his new club, Olmo was able to produce for his former club Dinamo Zagreb in the competition.
With Schick replacing Werner, he will need plenty of support from the attacking midfield. Olmo will be tasked with providing Schick opportunities to get Leipzig the goals they need in this match. If Olmo is able to create chances for high-quality opportunities for Schick or go for goal himself, then Leipzig just might be able to pull off a remarkable win.
Much like Upamecano, this match is going to be one of the first big tests of Olmo’s career. If he can play a part in getting RB Leipzig to the semi-finals it will only increase his pedigree as one of the best young attacking midfielders in the world.
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