Champions League 2016-17: 5 players who will decide the semi final between Juventus and AS Monaco

#3 Miralem Pjanic

With Sami Khedira ruled out of the first leg, Pjanic has added responsibility on his shoulders

With Sami Khedira set to miss the first leg of the tie owing to suspension, after he was booked in both the legs of the quarterfinal against FC Barcelona, the responsibility to drive the Juventus midfield forward has fallen on the able shoulders of Miralem Pjanic.

The Bosnian midfielder, who has played a crucial role in his side’s dominance through the group as well as knock-out stages is undoubtedly one of the best central midfielders in Europe and will be keen to add to his credentials as the midfield general of the side managed by Massimiliano Allegri.

Pjanic is a wily operator in the centre of the park and has the ability to hurt sides with his combativeness as well as creativity.

It will be his ability to complement the abilities of Claudio Marchisio, who is set to partner him at the heart of the Juve midfield, in containing the exciting Monaco side that would truly determine the course of the game.

With 3 assists in the tournament thus far, he will be a constant threat to susceptible Monaco defence and could prove vital to Juventus splitting them open for good. The stage is set for Pjanic to make his mark and should he find his rhythm early on he could mean trouble for Leonardo Jardim and his men.