Champions League 2017-18: 10 breakout stars

(L-R) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, Enzo Fernandez of Real Madrid, Raphael Varane of Real Madrid with Champions League trophy, Coupe des clubs Champions Europeensduring the UEFA Champions League final match between Juventus FC and Real Madrid on June 3, 2017 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

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March 1st, 2017, Caledonian Stadium, Inverness, Scotland; SPL Scottish football league, Inverness Caledonian Thistle versus Celtic FC; Moussa Dembele celebrates his goal that makes it 4-0 to Celtic (Photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images) /

9. Moussa Dembele – Celtic

Unfortunately for Celtic fans, their club has virtually no chance of advancing in the competition after drawing PSG, Bayern Munich and Anderlecht in Group B. While the Scottish champions will not advance to the round of 16, they could qualify for the Europa League if they finish ahead of Anderlecht in the group. If Celtic are going to play in Europa League they will need a strong performance from striker Moussa Dembele, who could be a breakout star for the club.

After joining Celtic from Fulham last season, Dembele had an impressive season domestically. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers made Dembele his first signing after being named manager and instantly inserted the striker into his starting XI. In his first season with the club, Dembele scored 32 goals and added nine assists in all competitions and helped Celtic win the Premiership, League Cup and Scottish Cup.

Dembele’s performance attracted the attention of bigger European clubs but the transfer window closed without a move. Reportedly, AC Milan, Chelsea, West Ham and Tottenham were interested in the French striker but neither team was willing to meet Celtic’s £30 to £40 million price tag. After buying Dembele for only £500,000 from Fulham, when Celtic do sell, they will receive an excellent return on their initial investment.

Dembele’s style of play has drawn comparisons to Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke. Like the two more established strikers, Dembele possesses size, pace and power to handle play against physical defenders. Additionally, Dembele plays with a chip on his shoulder after he claims his first team did not want him.

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