Tottenham Hotspur get their Europa League campaign underway on Thursday with a visit from Azerbaijani giants Qarabag.
A regular on the European stage, Qarabag have clashed with English opposition on six occasions since 2015, but have fallen short every time, including against Spurs in the group stage of this competition in 2015/16.
They may be clear underdogs heading into this one, but Qarabag can be a dangerous outfit on their day. Here are four key players Spurs must be wary of.
Qarabag’s star player is 27-year-old striker Juninho, who netted 31 goals in all competitions and already has eight to his name this time around.
Juninho is a versatile type of forward who is comfortable out on either wing, and would rather hurt defenders with the ball at his feet instead of challenge them in the air.
Agility is perhaps Juninho’s strongest asset, so expect him to go charging at Spurs’ back line at every given opportunity.
2. Leandro Andrade
Comfortable either as a winger or in behind a central striker, Leandro Andrade has developed into a real goal threat.
The 25-year-old racked up 15 goals and 18 assists last season, including three goal contributions in the Europa League, and has begun the current campaign in a rich vein of form in front of goal as well.
His quick thinking and silky movement make him a defender’s nightmare and Spurs must switch on to keep him at bay.
3. Yassine Benzia
Fans of a certain age may recognise the name of Yassine Benzia. Compared to Karim Benzema when he was 17, the now 30-year-old was once one of the hottest young prospects in football.
There’s no denying Benzia’s career didn’t reach the heights many expected, but he has still made a name for himself and has been a regular source of goals in behind Juninho.
Unsurprisingly with a player with his youth experience, Benzia provides a different level of technical quality in this team, and that’s how he looks to beat his defenders. Brains, not brawn.
The young star of Azerbaijani football, 20-year-old forward Nariman Akhundzada enjoyed a breakout year last season, finishing with 17 goals to his name.
He’s a lanky, unconventional type who primarily plays out wide, where his tricky feet and tall frame combine to cause problems for full-backs. Destiny Udogie, or whoever plays at left-back for Spurs, will have their work cut out for them.
Akhundzada has already found the back of the net five times this season, and he’ll be hoping to add to that tally here.
