Champions League semi-finals: Ranking top 10 players who could decide ties

3.Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid)

It seems like a long time ago that Atletico Madrid went to Arsenal in the league stage, but it will be remembered not just for the four goals they scored, but also for their offensive struggles.

Atletico produced just 0.32 xG from open play in this defeat and only had one shot on target, so bringing on Julian Alvarez will be crucial if they are to get anything going against Arsenal this time.

The Argentine forward has scored nine goals in the tournament this season; that’s more than any Atletico player has managed in the Champions League.

He also poses a defensive threat up front with his massive 853 high-intensity pressing; more than anyone else this season. That’s an average of 70 per game.

That work ethic, his ruthlessness in front of goal and, as Barcelona have learned, his wizardry of sending free kicks into the top corner, make the 26-year-old vital to Atletico’s chances of progressing.