Week 2 of the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League is now on the books. And while there were some shocking and unexpected results, now it’s time to focus on individual performances.
These were the Top 3 performers during the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League Week 2.
Serge Gnabry
The German winger has improved massively over the last 18 months and he had one of the best individual performances in the history of the UEFA Champions League. Gnabry had an impressive outing during Bayern’s 7-2 rout of Tottenham this past Tuesday, as he netted four goals and assisted another one.
Gnabry scored all four goals during the second half. He netted Bayern’s third goal with a low shot following an impressive run on the left wing, and scored his side’s next goal from inside the box following a through ball from Corentin Tolisso. Not done yet, Gnabry also scored Bayern’s fifth goal with a one-on-one finish past Hugo Lloris and closed the scoreline with a potent shot from the edge of the box. Plus, he was credited with an assist on Robert Lewandowski’s first goal.
Undoubtedly, this is one game Gnabry will never forget.
Takumi Minamino
The name ok Takumi Minamino might not be a household name for football fans, but he certainly made his presence felt at the Champions League level earlier this week. The Japanese was one of the best players for RB Salzburg during their 4-3 loss at Liverpool on Wednesday. Even though his side lost, there’s no question Minamino’s impact can’t be overlooked.
The Japanese carried his side’s second-half comeback with a goal and an assist during the second half. He netted a volley from inside the box that made it 2-3, and later assisted Erling Haland with a low cross to potentially even the score. Salzburg lost, but they delivered a statement performance at Anfield. And Minamino was one of the players who stood out the most.
Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek spent most of the summer linked with a move to Real Madrid, but he decided to stay at Ajax. A hamstring injury prevented him from playing in the tournament opener against Lille, but he returned to the starting XI against Valencia. The central midfielder made his presence felt during his side’s 3-0 win against Los Che, netting one goal and one assist.
Van de Beek showed his quality and vision in Ajax’s second goal when, under pressure, managed to cross the ball towards Quincy Promes, who had no problems to place the ball past Jasper Cillessen. And later, the central midfielder received a through ball from Dusan Tadic and found the back of the net with the composure of an experienced striker.
Due to things like this, van de Beek seems poised to move to a European giant sooner than later.
