Champions League 2013: Top Players to Watch in Tuesday's Games

The 2013/14 Champions League has been nothing sort of spectacular thus far. It's had its highs and lows, with everything we love in between. Matchday 5 has some terrific teams facing off, including the intriguing Borussia Dortmund v Napoli match.

As exciting as some of these games will be, it all comes down to the players. Teams win the matches, but it is the individual skill of some that makes the games all the more exciting. Let's take a look at some of the top players to keep tabs on going into Tuesday's games.

Andrés Iniesta, Barcelona

With key contributors like Lionel Messi and Xavi out with injury, Barcelona will need to turn to Andrés Iniesta for help. While he doesn't do much of the heavy lifting scoring, Iniesta is still imperative to the team's success.

He's one of the finest passers in the game, and will be a responsible for running a clean offense against Ajax. Barcelona won the previous match 4-0 against Ajax on September 18, but may have trouble without their star players. 

It makes Iniesta's contributions all that more valuable for Barcelona on Tuesday, as the team tries to remain undefeated in the Champions League. 

Gonzalo Higuaín, Napoli

Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are just three points apart in Group F, and a win or loss will be major for either side. It's therefore fitting the duo face each other on Matchday 5, and Gonzalo Higuaín will be another player to watch. 

His team will need a big contribution from him to keep ahead of Dortmund, and Higuaín hasn't disappointed at this point. His three goals in the Champions League (despite going scoreless in a 2-1 victory over Marseille on October 22) leads Napoli and has kept the team afloat in what has become a three-way race between Arsenal, Napoli and Dortmund. 

Napoli came out on top versus Dortmund on September 18, as the latter team had trouble containing Higuaín and Lorenzo Insigne losing 2-1. Higuaín will need to be raring to go and ready to help his team win, as Arsenal faces Marseille (who have yet to win a match) and may have an easy victory to stay atop Group F.

Frank Lampard, Chelsea

He might be getting on in terms of age, but Frank Lampard remains a relevant contributor for Chelsea. He's scored a single goal, with two assists, in the Champions League thus far. While it's a different league, Lampard kicked two through the net in Chelsea's victory over West Ham on November 23. It would be a bonus if he carries that level of play over into the team's game against Basel.

Chelsea needs just a draw to ensure a place in the knockout stages, but shouldn't settle. The team leads Group E with nine points, with their sole loss coming at the hands of Basel. Lampard spoke on his recent success at West Ham: 

"

I’m playing pretty regularly at the minute and I feel fit and strong. I want to show that I am good enough to carry on playing and I’ll try to do that. I don’t want to be a passenger sitting on the bench not doing much, even in my older years.

"

While it isn't necessarily Lampard's role to score, he can still be a major piece in ensuring the offensive formation runs smoothly. He's still a capable ball-handler and midfielder considering his age, and can do so for Chelsea on Tuesday. 

Olivier Giroud, Arsenal

Much like Higuaín, Olivier Giroud will be depended on by his team on Tuesday. While he and Aaron Ramsey are leading the way for Arsenal, he's been somewhat inconsistent in the Champions League. 

Giroud is a potent player offensively, with his 6'3", 195-pound frame often too much for opponents. He can overpower defenders and have his way with the ball, but hasn't shown as much in the UCL. 

He's scored two goals over the four games Arsenal has played, with the team winning three. The team is tied with Napoli in Group F, with Dortmund just three points behind. Giroud will need to step up to ensure a smooth transition to the knockout stages.

His play hasn't been bad (two shots on goal out of seven shots), but Arsenal just needs more from him down the stretch. Giroud is no doubt a talented player, but should look to assert himself more against the defense of Marseille.

Marseille is currently without a win in the UCL, so it may very well be an easy win for Arsenal. Giroud can make that a reality.

Tuesday's games will undoubtedly prove to be a great show, and the above players can be the stars. Some play larger roles for their teams than others, but all four are needed to be successful. The Champions League has been spectacular, and Iniesta, Higuaín, Lampard and Giroud can ensure it stays that way.