I would give Ballon d’Or to Haaland instead of Messi: Terry Phelan

Terry Phelan also shed light on the Kylian Mbappe saga.

The UEFA Champions League draw was announced earlier this month, featuring 32 participating teams as usual. This season marked Arsenal's return to the competition for the first time since 2016/17, while Liverpool was notably absent. Barcelona and Bayern Munich were not drawn together, and the most challenging group, often referred to as the 'group of death,' consisted of PSG, AC Milan, Dortmund, and Newcastle.

On the occasion of Sony’s Media Day for the UEFA Champions League, Terry Phelan, a former Manchester City player and former Kerala Blasters think-tank member, addressed some questions regarding this season's Champions League.

With only a week left until the start of the biggest club football event, the UCL, let's explore Terry Phelan's perspective on the tournament.

The chaos surrounding Manchester United’s dressing room

Every football fan has undoubtedly noticed the chaos Erik ten Hag and his team are currently experiencing. Erik ten Hag was brought in by the Red Devils with the hope of ushering in a new era, but instead, the squad has been in turmoil. From Mason Greenwood's departure from the club to the allegations involving Antony, it seems that Manchester United's fortunes have taken a dark turn.

Terry, as a former Manchester City player highlighted the need for unleashing the younger players, “It’s time for the younger players to step up to the plate. Now is the time for them to get game-time. They are going to play in the biggest club competition. If you look at their group they have Bayern Munich, Copenhagen, Galatasaray and I think Manchester United will need all the hands they can possibly get.”

Messi or Haaland for Ballon d'Or

Lionel Messi suffered innumerable apocalypses with the PSG side even with the likes of Neymar and Mbappe surrounding him. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was not on the mark with the French club, but won the FIFA World Cup. On the other hand, Haaland enjoyed quite a successful season clubwise, having won the treble and scoring most of the Cityzens’ goals.

Terry, when asked who can clinch the Ballon d’Or award, said, “You look at club competition, Haaland’s done it and for such a young man, at 23 years of age, scored 56 goals last season, won the treble, just won another trophy, at this present time he has scored six goals in four games already. This tells you where people should be thinking. We know Messi’s been up there, the best of them, but for me, what about this young chap who has come in his first season and done absolutely fantastic. If it’s me, I would probably give it to Haaland.”

Can Barcelona advance to the knockout stages this time?

FC Barcelona have been poor performance-wise in the Champions League for the past few years. But this time, they have roped in magnificent players like Joao Felix, Joao Cancelo and Ilkay Gundogan. Plus, the La Liga winners have got comparatively a much easier group compared to their previous seasons.

Terry Phelan, when asked whether FC Barcelona can advance to the knockout rounds, explained, “They brought Gundogan from Manchester City, who will add a bit more stealing and creativity to that midfield and experience. Then you have got Joao Felix, who will probably be playing behind Lewandowski. Cancelo is also coming. I think they (Barcelona) have added the right players at the right time. They have to prove a point this season. Barcelona will be looking to grab in the points especially at home and progressing to the further phases of the Round of 16. ”

What can fans expect of Arsenal?

When asked what can the fans expect of Arsenal after such a long period of time in the Champions League, Terry replied, “They (Arsenal) are growing. They just fell short last season in the EPL behind Manchester City. But, I see Arsenal up front.”

Newcastle’s arrival in the UCL and the Group of Death

This will be Newcastle’s first entry in the Champions League after two decades. The Magpies have been flying again under the guidance of Eddie Howe, who has steered them back to the top table of European football.

But, they were drawn in the group of death in the UCL alongside PSG, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. “You are going to come up against teams who are playing year in year out and they (Newcastle) have got the players to unlock any of the teams. But this is the group of death. It will be a real trial for Newcastle in the Champions League, but they will have some wonderful nights. They will learn from these nights.”

Bayern’s improved attack with new signings

When asked if Bayern Munich were one of the favourites to win the Champions League, Terry replied, “They (Bayern) will always be favourites. They have brought in Harry Kane, who is in hot form. He has got wonderful players in and around him. If they play to his strengths, then they have a good chance.”

Jude Bellingham’s impact on Real Madrid

The 14 times UCL Champions lost out to Manchester City in the final last season. They also lost their star striker Karim Benzema to Al Ittihad. With Kylian Mbappe’s potential move failing once again, Terry was asked about Jude Bellingham firing Real Madrid to the top?

“Bellingham has been absolutely brilliant in the present time. It’s early stages for Bellingham, he has played four games and scored five goals. He has brought youthfulness. But they needed an out-to-out striker.”

Which teams can snatch the title away from Manchester City?

Manchester City have a brilliant squad with a lot of experience and young, hungry players. They did an excellent job last year having won the Champions League, the first in the history of the Cityzens. But there are many teams who will be prying on Pep Guardiola’s team to commit an error during this UCL season.

“Manchester City will just go on like they finished. They will take one game at a time. If they get to the Round of 16, there are a whole lot of teams challenging them. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan, PSG, AC Milan, Barcelona, but Manchester City will be a very hard nut to crack.”

The Kylian Mbappe Saga

Kylian Mbappe once again left Real Madrid begging as he decided to stay at PSG this season. It has been almost three years fans are getting to see the same transfer rumours about Mbappe who is deemed as the next superstar in football after Messi and Ronaldo. A clear cut competitor to Haaland for the next decade, the question arises whether Mbappe’s decision to stay at PSG hampers his career growth.

“I am sure that will happen (Mbappe joining Real Madrid). It's only a matter of time before he leaves. I think it will be next season. The reason Real Madrid have not gone for a top striker is that they feel the void for Mbappe coming in there.”