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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TURIN, ITALY – AUGUST 19: Douglas Costa of Juventus FC in action during the Serie A match between Juventus and Cagliari Calcio at Allianz Stadium on August 19, 2017, in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa./Getty Images) /

3. Douglas Costa – Juventus

Bayern Munich bought Douglas Costa two seasons ago from Shakhtar Donetsk by former manager Pep Guardiola. In his first season in Munich, the Brazilian looked like a future superstar who would be the long-term replacement for Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. Costa displayed pace and incredible creativity, finishing the Bundesliga season with four goals and 14 assists.

However, Guardiola left for Manchester City after the season and was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti. Suddenly, Costa was no longer in the starting XI and saw his minutes disappear. When he did get on the pitch, he did not look like the same player he was the previous year. Costa finished the season playing 599 fewer minutes, scoring four goals and adding only six assists.

Costa was unhappy and wanted out of Munich. Bayern loaned him to Italian champions Juventus with an option to buy after the season. With Juventus, Costa will have a chance to reboot his career after it stalled under Ancelotti. Costa will likely start on the wing over former Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic who played out of position last season. The addition of Costa should help Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala who will receive more space as Costa draws defenders towards him when he has the ball.

With the World Cup next season, Costa has a lot to prove if he wants to break into the Brazilian starting XI. Juventus are in Group B with Barcelona, Sporting and Olympiacos. While another run to the finals is unlikely, Juventus should advance to at least the semifinals.

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