Monaco’s Forgotten Premier League Stars Ready to Challenge Man City in Champions League
Monaco Hosts Manchester City in Champions League Matchup
The Champions League continues midweek as Manchester City visits Monaco for their second group-stage game of the season. While City enters as the favorite, they’ll face a squad packed with players familiar to Premier League fans.
Many Monaco players have previously showcased their talents in England’s top tier, including notable names like Paul Pogba—although he won’t be available for this encounter. Others on the roster include former Arsenal stars Folarin Balogun and Mika Biereth, as well as Ex-Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier.
Monaco’s squad is loaded with former Premier League players ahead of the match against City.
Key Players to Watch
Folarin Balogun
The former Arsenal youth product spent a brief period in the Premier League, making only two substitute appearances for the Gunners. He later excelled on loan at Reims, scoring 22 goals last season, which earned him a permanent move to Monaco in 2023. He continues to develop under the Ligue 1 club.
Folarin Balogun began his career at Arsenal and is now making strides at Monaco.
Eric Dier
England international Eric Dier is expected to start for Monaco. He played ten seasons at Tottenham, earning recognition with the national team. After a stint at Bayern Munich on loan, he joined Monaco on a free transfer and now anchors their defense.
Eric Dier, a long-time Tottenham player, now leads Monaco’s defense.
Ansu Fati
The young Spanish winger, once hailed as Messi’s successor at Barcelona, has struggled with injuries. He was loaned to Brighton before transferring to Monaco in 2024, where he’s now rebuilding his career.
Ansu Fati, formerly of Barcelona, is now reigniting his career at Monaco.
Additional Notables
Other players include Thilo Kehrer, former Manchester City target and current Monaco captain, Takumi Minamino with a Premier League title, and Paul Pogba, who is nearing a comeback after a long injury spell. Pogba, 32, may debut after the international break, giving Monaco an extra boost in their bid to upset City.