Americans to watch in Champions League: Draw pits PSV vs. Juventus in potential six American showdown

Champions League play is back and there are plenty of American players to watch as the new look league phase gets underway. While playing time may be hard to come by for some of the Americans taking part in the tournament, others like Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman will be central to how their teams do in European play.

Take a look at what to keep an eye on with each of the 11 Americans in Champions League:

MID: Weston McKennie, Juventus

Back in the plan for Juventus after signing a new contract with the club, now Weston McKennie needs to get back in the starting lineup under new manager Thiago Motta. Champions League play may provide McKennie with more opportunities in league play. It's a weird limbo for McKennie as this is a second consecutive season where he has had to fight for his place in the Juventus squad, but if he can get back into the plans, they have a great chance at a Scudetto.

FWD: Tim Weah, Juventus

Tim Weah scoring on his first appearance under Motta on the wing was a great start to the Juventus season, but then the hype was quickly doused with him picking up an injury. Weah is expected to return to play after the September international break and if he can continue that early form, he could be a key man in the Juventus XI after struggling for playing time last season. Sticking at winger instead of wing back would also be a welcome change for the national team where he operates in advanced positions.

Juventus matchups: City home, Leipzig away, Benfica home, Burgge away, PSV home, Lille away, Stuttgart home and Villa away.

FWD: Christian Pulisic, Milan

Central to Paulo Fonseca's plans, Christian Pulisic is a Champions League veteran. Already with a Champions League medal, Pulisic has played in 54 games scoring eight goals and assisting nine more. He could get to 20 UCL goal contributions this campaign, which is quite an impressive number. He'll want to see Milan out of the league phase after their failure to advance from the group stage last season, and with the change in Champions League format, it could happen.

MID: Yunus Musah, Milan

Yunus Musah has been playing more for Milan so far this season and if he's in the XI for Champions League play, it'll be a great chance to grow as a player. The young midfielder has plenty of top flight experience, but gaining Champions League experience would be critical for his growth. In season two with Milan, this would also show how much of a step forward that he has taken.

Milan matchup: Liverpool home, Real away, Brugge home, Leverkusen away, Zvezda home, Dinamo away, Girona home and Bratislava away.

FWD: Ricardo Pepi, PSV

Unlileiy to start in Champions League play, Ricardo Pepi is in a similar situation to McKennie. He may end up coming off the bench in matches when they're won for the Dutch side, and the hope is that by biding his time, Pepi could end up having a bigger role. No matter what, Champions League participation for PSV will mean more minutes overall for Pepi, which is a good thing.

DEF: Sergino Dest, PSV

Starting the season injured, Dest likely won't contribute unless PSV makes it out of the group stage in the Champions League. He was impressive last season, but now that he's at the club on a long-term deal, they need to ensure that his recovery is taken seriously to not jeopardize his future. Dest will be back eventually, but there's no reason to rush that return.

MID: Malik Tillman, PSV

Out of the American trio at PSV, Malik Tillman is the one who will be most important to watch in Champions League play. A willing shooter who can create chances for himself and others, Tillman is coming into his own in the Netherlands. Last season's experience of coming up short in the knockout stages will be something that sits with PSV, and Tillman's growth could help them get further in this edition.

DEF: Richard Ledezma, PSV

Back from loan with New York City FC in Major League Soccer, Richard Ledezma has started every match this season for PSV but not in his usual attacking midfield roles. Ledezma has been filling in at right back due to Dest's injury. PSV likes their wing backs to be good in possession which is where Ledezma's experience playing further forward is important but he's going to get quite a test in UCL play. It's one thing controlling games when PSV can hold possession but defending against some of the best wingers in the world will be a new challenge for the 23-year-old.

PSV matchups: Liverpool Home, PSG Away, Shakhtar Home, Juventus Away, Sporting CP Home, Red Star Belgrade Away, Girona Home, Brest Away

MID: Gio Reyna, Dortmund

No one knows how much Gio Reyna will play for Borussia Dortmund this season, but he's at least getting off the bench for the team now, which is an improvement. Moving back into his super-sub role would begin a natural progression to earn a place in the starting lineup, but along with a growing theme of players here, Reyna will have to bide his time and hope that Dortmund's European commitments can provide him with more league minutes.

Borussia Dortmund matchups: Barcelona Home, Real Madrid Away, Shakhtar Home, Brugge Away, Celtic Home, Dinamo Away, Sturm Graz Home, Bologna Away

FWD: Folarin Balogun, Monaco

Presumably, Folarin Balogun is still a starter for Monaco at striker, but after not coming into the match in their last league tie, it's tough to tell. Playing more Champions League soccer will be important as Balogun needs to learn how to control space against top defenses, but even if he is a rotational striker for the French side, consistency is still important at this stage of his career.

Monaco matchups: Barcelona Home, Inter Away, Benfica Home, Arsenal Away, Red Star Belgrade Home, Dinamo Zagreb Away, Aston Villa Home, Bologna Away

DEF: Cameron Carter Vickers, Celtic

Celtic are back in the Champions League for another consecutive season and Cameron Carter-Vickers is back with them. The American defender has become one of the first names on the team sheet which means that he'll be able to contend with top attackers in the world for another season. With the center back pairing uncertain for the USMNT, this is an experience that Carter-Vickers could use to improve his standing.

Celtic matchups: Leipzig Home, Borussia Dortmund Away, Club Brugge Home, Atalanta Away, Young Boys Home, Dinamo Away, Bratislava Home, Aston VIlla Away