The 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League is off to another fine start with multiple clubs earning key victories to jumpstart their respective campaigns. Nine-time league champion Real Madrid earned a 6-1 victory over Galatasaray to starts its Group B slate while Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester City earned W's as well. Perhaps the biggest surprise in the early portion of the Champions League was Chelsea's loss to Basel. Expected to excel in Group E, Jose Mourinho's group looked flat, surrendering the last 2 goals of the match on their way to a 2-1 defeat.
Thanks to the inclusion of some of the best soccer clubs in the world, the UEFA Champions League also serves as a stage for the top players in the game. Superstars including Leo Messi, Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Iker Casillas, Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain continue to play at high levels and thanks to the increasing popularity of the Champions League, each player has an opportunity to step foot in the limelight if their performances warrant it. With the first slate of games in the books, multiple players are off to fast starts, perhaps creating a preview of what lies ahead throughout the 2013-2014 UEFA Champions League season.
Top 5 Early Performers in 2013-2014 Champions League
5. Thiago Motta, Paris Saint-Germain
Propelling his team to a comfortable 4-1 win over Olympiacos with 2 goals and an assist, Thiago Motta is off to a very solid start in the Champions League. With PSG in a group consisting of Olympiacos, Benfica and Anderlecht, earning an early win was crucial for a French club looking to establish themselves as the premier team in Group C. If the 31-year-old Motta remains consistent, expect PSG to become a major player in the 32-team field.
4. Karim Benzema, Real Madrid
It's easy to get lost on a team that features multiple superstars but even with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the Madrid side, Karim Benzema still finds room to shine. Notching 2 goals and an assist in a 6-1 thumping of Galatasaray, Benzema proved to be a viable asset on a team that is strong on both sides of the ball.
3. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United
Life as a member of the Red Devils seemed cloudy for Wayne Rooney heading into the 2013-2014 season, since the 27-year-old was unsure where he fit in with first-year head coach David Moyes' plans for the future. Recording 2 goals and a helper in Man U's Champions League opening win over Leverkusen, Rooney appears comfortable with a team he's spent the last 10 seasons with.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid
Ronaldo is no secret to on-the-pitch success. With Real Madrid expected to be a major contender in this year's Champions League, the 28-year-old propelled his team to a great start, recording a hat trick in a recent victory. Notching goals at the 63', 66' and 90' minute marks, Ronaldo remains one of the top players in the game, fully capable of guiding Real Madrid to another Champions League title.
1. Lionel Messi, Barcelona
Leo Messi remains the top player in the world and thanks to his recent Champions League performance, the premier scorer is in line for another Player of the Year award. Recording 3 goals in Barca's 4-0 win over Ajax, Messi hopes his continued success rubs off on his teammates as they continue a long and very competitive Champions League campaign.
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