Top 10 possible debutants in UEFA Champions League 2022-23

This tournament is regarded as the ultimate challenge for any newcomer.

The Champions League 2022-23 group stage is set to start on 6 September. There are going to be some very exciting things happening this season. With the World Cup looming large, Champions League matches will be coming thick and fast. Teams will have an extended challenge this time around to keep their best players in top shape. Meanwhile, it will also open up new opportunities for players due to such a hectic schedule. 

The Champions League is the ultimate competition of club football and performing here turns around the whole architecture of a player's career. Last season, we saw some big names rising like Antony, Eduardo Camavinga and Sebastian Haller. This season, there are many new names itching to make their name known in the world of football.

Let's take a look at the Top 10 possible debutants in the Champions League 2022-23, waiting to become the new sensation of the footballing world.

10. Pau Lopez (Marseille)

Pau Lopez joined Marseille permanently this summer from AS Roma after impressing during his loan stint in the 2021-22 season. The Spanish goalkeeper kept 10 clean sheets last season and was the main reason behind Marseille's qualification for Champions League. With the signing of Alexis Sanchez, Eric Bailly, Luis Suarez and many others, Marseille appears to be in good shape heading into the Champions League and Lopez will be key to their hopes. 

9. Gleison Bremer (Juventus) 

Gleison Bremer is one of the several new signings of Juventus this summer. He is a typical Brazilian front-line defender with excellent technical skills and daunting physicality. Despite not being in Juventus' plans at the start of the window, the departure of Matthijs de Ligt prompted them to go for him. Having settled into Allegri's setup well, he will be hoping for an impressive debut Champions League season.

8. Nico Scholtterbeck (Borussia Dortmund) 

Nico Scholtterbeck is another centre-back who will enter his first Champions League season. The German centre-back was one of the Bundesliga's rising stars last season. He made 38 appearances for SC Freiburg and stood out against big teams with spirited performances. Schlotterbeck is also hunting for a place in Germany's World Cup squad and the Champions League is an ideal platform to prove his worth.

7. Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)

The Marc Cucurella transfer saga was one of the most surprising stories of the English transfer window. He was pursued by both Manchester City and Chelsea after impressing on the left wing for Brighton last season. Chelsea eventually signed the Spanish wingback, but the English media called the transfer inflated. He has a big point to prove this season and with Ben Chilwell also in the team, Cucurella might get the best shot to prove himself in the Champions League.

6. Hugo Ekitike (Paris Saint-Germain)

Hugo Ekitike impressed everyone last season with 10 goals from 25 starts for Reims in the French League. Now, he will don the jersey of Paris Saint-Germain, who have loaned him with an eye toward the future. Considering the bigger prizes at stake, Ekitike might get some game time in the Champions League. 

5. Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

Kalvin Phillips has been one of the most talented Premier League midfielders for a few years now. Although he has earned a good reputation in domestic competition, he has not yet tested himself in big competitions like the Champions League. This season, he will finally have the chance to mark his name on the continental map after joining Manchester City.

4. Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur)

Richarlison will experience the atmosphere of Europe's biggest club competition for the first time this season after stepping foot in Europe in 2017. With Harry Kane and Heung Min-Son, he is expected to form a lethal attacking trio. This season, Richarlison has finally earned a chance to establish his name in world football after years of being regarded as a big talent.

3. Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Florian Wirtz had a breakout season in 2021-22. The German attacking midfielder has big clubs vying for his signature and his performances in Champions League this season is likely to push his case further. He scored seven goals last season and provided 10 assists in the Bundesliga to cap off an outstanding campaign. 

2. Raphinha (FC Barcelona)

Raphinha is one of the big summers buys of FC Barcelona this season. The Brazilian winger rejected Chelsea for Barcelona and will be looking to prove that he made the right decision. Despite his Premier League and international experience, the Champions League will stand as the ultimate test for him. 

1. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid signed Aurelien Tchouameni as a backup option for Casemiro and as a long-term prospect. However, the tables have turned now and with the departure of the Brazilian, he will have a definite first-team role this season. With a high price tag attached to his name, everyone will be paying close attention to Tchouameni's performances. Real Madrid will be defending their Champions League title and Tchouameni will be a big key to their aspirations.