Group E
Mario Fernandes, CSKA Moscow
The galloping right-back has one cap for Brazil, but he is now a Russian citizen, widely expected to play for the 2018 World Cup hosts at the tournament. That makes the 25-year-old more interesting than ever, and his attacking skills will be very important for CSKA. Fernandes could be less stable at the back at times, though.
Tin Jedvaj, Bayer Leverkusen
If everything goes according to plan, the 20-year-old Croatian sensation could possibly become one of the best defenders of his generation. Versatile and able to fill any position across the back four, he is very fast, tenacious and skilful on the ball. Jedvaj's performance against Spain at Euro 2016 was a masterpiece, and he should make another step forward this season.
Victor Wanyama, Tottenham
When Wanyama played in the Champions League four years ago, he scored against Barcelona and led Celtic into the round of 16. Every team needs a midfield warrior, and the 25-year-old Kenyan is exactly that for Spurs, but he must be careful not to get sent off -- three red cards at Southampton last season are a worrying sign.
Djibril Sidibe, Monaco
Monaco have no spent a great deal on signings in the last two years, but they paid €15m for Sidibe this summer, and that was a very wise investment. The 24-year-old is a full-back, capable of playing left or right, who can easily switch to midfield -- sound defensively, but extremely useful on the wing. He started for France at Belarus in the 2018 World Cup qualifying game, and looks destined to become the first choice in the near future.