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Rio Ferdinand: Five Monaco players who could thrive in the Premier League

Rio Ferdinand: Five Monaco players who could thrive in the Premier League

After an eight-goal Champions League thriller at the Etihad two weeks ago, all eyes with be on Manchester City's last-16 decider against Monaco tonight.

Leonardo Jardim's French side shone for much of the last-16 first leg as they led 3-2, but a second-half collapse leaves them needing to overturn a 5-3 deficit at home against Pep Guardiola's City.

The French principality club have been well-known for their heavy spending in recent years, but Jardim is busy building an exciting new era based on young talent - and it has not gone unnoticed.

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Standard Sport understands Chelsea are exploring the possibility of buying three members of Monaco’s squad in the summer, with defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko and attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva on the wishlist along with defender Djibril Sidibe.

With the scouts out in force tonight, here are five Monaco players Rio Ferdinand thinks could thrive in Premier League...

BERNARDO SILVA

This guy has great imagination and his passing and vision are unbelievable.

He has the ability to unlock defences and turn the match around in a moment.

He has a great left foot that would thrill fans here.

TIEMOUE BAKAYOKO

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

He has that physical presence English clubs like in midfield.

His strong style of play suits English football and he has the stamina to get around the pitch for 90 minutes.

He can dominate opponents.

KYLIAN MBAPPE

People say he’s the next Thierry Henry.

That is some claim but, at 18, scoring goals and playing comes easy to him.

Electric pace and reports out of France suggest he’s better than Anthony Martial at the same age.

THOMAS LEMAR

(AFP/Getty Images)
(AFP/Getty Images)

A fine attacking midfielder who would provide speed and creativity.

He produces great delivery into the area, particularly from the left and can score goals as well.

FABINHO

I enjoyed watching him against Man City.

The Brazilian can play in midfield or at right back and watching him charge up and down the pitch at the Etihad was like seeing Maicon at his best before Gareth Bale ruined him.