Title defenders Real Madrid start their Champions League run for the 2022/23 season next week in group F, which includes Shakhtar Donetsk, Celtic, and RB Leipzig in what many perceive to be a relatively easy group for Los Blancos.
However, neither the three clubs Los Blancos will play against nor the players they have are to be taken lightly. They may not be the biggest names in Europe, but that is also why they might be hiding some excellent shocks for Real Madrid.
All of the teams mentioned above have some pretty fascinating players who might be incredibly crucial in their clashes against Real Madrid and have the power to swing things around in their favour and give the defending champions a difficult time when it comes to topping the group.
In this article, we will look at one player from each of the three teams who we believe is somewhat dangerous and who the Spanish club should keep an eye out for. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
3 players from Shakhtar, Leipzig and Celtic that Real Madrid need to watch out for
3. Mykola Matviyenko – Shakhtar Donetsk
Real Madrid should keep an eye on Shakhtar Donetsk’s top defender Mykola Matviyenko. Though his name may be unfamiliar to most of our readers, his brilliance has led to attention from some of the top clubs in Europe, most notably Arsenal, whose interest in the player was the most apparent but the deal failed to transpire.
Matviyenko is a reliable and consistent defender who can defend the goal in close situations, particularly 1v1s, when he is not afraid to rush for the ball but does so with accurate calculations on the opposing player’s next move. With his brilliant placement and amazing pace to chase down the pitch, the Ukrainian is a great threat to Real Madrid’s offense.
Given that he may regularly interchange places with the team’s left back and perform as well in both positions, Real Madrid’s right winger may be marked by the player. Matviyenko is rarely caught short or too far away from the ball; he is nearly always exactly where he is needed at the right time.
The 26-year-old centre back stands 6 feet tall, making him a formidable opponent in aerial duels as well. However, he is far from merely a defensive force, for what distinguishes his value is how well he passes and initiates build-up plays.
Matviyenko’s ability to deliver long diagonal passes to wingers and wing backs enables him to transition defensive positions to attacking moves in an instant, making him an indirect test for Real Madrid’s full backs, who will have to beat his passing perfection and intercept the play at precisely the right time.