Ones to watch in 2015/16 Champions League

There are always heroes unearthed on UEFA Champions League matchday one. There was Marco van Basten's four-goal haul in 1992, Zlatan Ibrahimović's match-winning double on his competition debut for Ajax a decade later. Grafite hit a hat-trick for Wolfsburg in 2009 and Yacine Brahimi introduced himself to Porto in style 12 months ago. UEFA.com looks at the players with extra reason to impress in the coming weeks and months.

Alex Teixeira (Shakhtar Donetsk)
The Brazilian, 25, decided against leaving the club at Mircea Lucescu's personal request and, with nine goals in seven league appearances this season, has continued to lead the line to great effect since Luiz Adriano's departure.

Max Arnold (Wolfsburg)
A promising attacking midfielder, the 21-year-old should get plenty of playing time following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.

Asmir Begović (Chelsea)
Thibaut Courtois' injury is likely to rule the Belgian out for most of the group stage so the 28-year-old Begović – whose European experience amounts to five UEFA Europa League appearances for Stoke in 2010/11 – has a chance to impress.

Ángel Di María (Paris Saint-Germain)
After three successive quarter-final exits, the French treble winners invested a reported €65m in the Argentinian, who played a starring role in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League final victory in 2014.

Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moskva)
After a barren spell at Roma, the Ivorian has returned to CSKA on loan and was pivotal in the play-off victory over Sporting Club. He has formed a formidable strike partnership with Ahmed Musa.

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)
Only Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann scored more left-foot goals in the top five European leagues last term and, having swapped Palermo for Juventus, will be looking to showcase his talents in Europe.

Edin Džeko (Roma)
The Giallorossi fans are already in love with the Bosnian striker, even more after he scored in the victory against Juventus in Serie A. Will he give Roma an extra dimension in Europe?

José Luis Gayá (Valencia) 
The 20-year-old was the breakout player in Spain last season, impressing from left-back with darting runs and intelligent play.

Aleksandr Hleb (BATE Borisov)
Now 34, the former Arsenal and Barcelona star has returned for a third spell with BATE, promising another glimpse of his perfect vision and passing for the Belarusian champions.

Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
The teenage striker marked his debut with a fine solo goal against Liverpool on Saturday and made seven UEFA Champions League appearances for Monaco last season, putting in a particularly impressive performance in the round of 16 first leg at Arsenal.

Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb)
This fast, skilful 20-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder, winger or forward and has already become one of his club's key performers.

Rafinha (Barcelona) 
Thiago Alcántara's younger brother now has the chance to show his worth following the departure of Pedro and can expect a decent run in the team.

Lars Stindl (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Hannover's creative force for several years, the 27-year-old has settled in quickly at Mönchengladbach, linking up with Thorgan Hazard (Eden's younger brother).

Luciano Vietto (Atlético Madrid) 
The Argentinian lit up Villarreal's UEFA Europa League campaign last term with his tricky feet, pace and eye for goal and will relish the challenge of taking on Europe's best defences.

Vitolo (Sevilla) 
The Spain international spearheaded Sevilla's triumphant UEFA Europa League adventure last season and is now preparing for his first ever UEFA Champions League campaign.

Andriy Yarmolenko (Dynamo Kyiv)
A spectacular striker at the peak of his form, Yarmolenko rejected some lucrative transfer offers from English clubs this summer to stay and try to lead Dynamo into round of 16.

Who will you be watching out for? Let us know @championsleague using #UCL