How 5 Americans fared in the Champions League group stage draw

The draw for the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League group stage was held today. There are currently five American players with a chance to play in this year’s competition. Here’s how their team’s fared in the draw:

Julian Green & Bayern Munich

The Bundesliga champs were drawn into Group D alongside last year’s Champions League runner-ups, Atletico Madrid. The group is rounded out by PSV and FC Rostov. It’s a pretty average group that Bayern should have no problem maneuvering through. Green is slated to be one of the backup strikers on the first teams squad. Perhaps he could get some minutes against a team like Rostov?

Christian Pulisic & Borussia Dortmund

For now, Pulisic remains at Borussia Dortmund as the transfer window is close to shutting. Playing time still looks questionable for the 17-year-old, but it’s likely he’ll be given some minutes. How about a run out against the current champions, Real Madrid? They are the main attraction alongside Dortmund in Group F. Sporting CP and Legia Warsaw are the final two unlucky teams. Barring a miracle, the two favorites should stroll into the Round of 16.

Fabian Johnson & Borussia Monchengladbach

Poor Fabi. He and his team got drawn into the likely ‘Group of Death (TM)” alongside Barcelona, Manchester City, and Celtic in Group C. Good luck, guys. There’s always the Europa League for third place finishers.

Cameron Carter-Vickers & Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs return to the Champions League after a fantastic season. CCV has made their match day roster for the first two matches of the Premier League season. With a congested fixture list, it’s possible our man Cameron could see some minutes in the competition. Tottenham were handed a very fortunate draw in Group E. Despite being in Pot 3, they were able to avoid any of the major power clubs. They are joined by CSKA Moskow, Bayer Leverkusen, and AS Monaco. While, not a bad looking group on paper, they could’ve gotten much worse.

Gedion Zelalem & Arsenal

Look at us being all optimistic and stuff. Even though he’s not near the first team, maybe in some dream scenario, Zelalem will work his way up the depth chart at the club and break in. Arsenal were given a pretty favorable draw as well. PSG will be their biggest competition with FC Basel and Ludogorets filling out the rest of Group A. Hopefully we see Gedion get a chance somehow.

Here’s the full draw: