15. Schalke
A Schalke side yet to click into gear in the Bundesliga has at least caught the eye in Europeās premier club competition. The team 13th in Germanyās top flight finished second in Group D on a respectable 11 points.
There is some class in the ranks for manager Domenico Tedesco. Most of it can be found on the flanks where Yevhen Konoplyanka ties opponents in knots.
The Ukraine international is fleet of foot, direct and intuitive when running at defenders. His teasing deliveries into the box cause problems, particularly with fellow wide forward Breel Embolo lurking.
Schalke also boast plenty of grit and guile in the middle, where tough and resourceful Benjamin Stambouli anchors the base of midfield. The Frenchman screens a useful defense featuring Naldo and Matija Nastasic.
Tedesco is a bold tactician with some useful players at his disposal, but the lack of elite-level match-winners will leave his team short in the first knockout phase.