5 Nearly Unpronounceable Names In the UEFA Champions League

By Adam Clifton

5 Nearly Unpronounceable Names In the UEFA Champions League

UEFA Champions League — As the Group Stage of the UEFA Champions League comes to a close, these are the five most unpronounceable names left in the competition.

5. Asier Illarramendi

UEFA Champions League

5. Asier Illarramendi

UEFA Champions League — Better known as "Illara," Asier Illarramendi is one of the many bright young talents at Real Madrid. Despite struggling to earn consistent playing time, fans better get familiar with the name as "Illara" will likely be a great midfielder in the Champions League for years to come.

4. Sokratis Papastathopoulos

UEFA Champions League

4. Sokratis Papastathopoulos

UEFA Champions League — The Greek defender now applies his trade with Borussia Dortmund. Mostly just known as "Sokratis," Sokratis Papastathopoulos has tremendous experience in the Champions League. Expect his experience to play an important role as Borussia Dortmund look to go one step further than they did in 2013 and win the UEFA Champions League.

3. Xherdan Shaqiri

UEFA Champions League

3. Xherdan Shaqiri

UEFA Champions League — The Swiss International has yet to earn consistent first team action at Bayern Munich. However, he is an incredible talent and his nickname is as entertaining as his ability. Known as the "Magic Dwarf" due to his lack of height, Xherdan Shaqiri deserves more playing time just for the sake of hearing his name and nickname more often.

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

UEFA Champions League

2. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

UEFA Champions League — The Gabon International has filled in nicely for Borussia Dortmund. The striker is extremely quick and has been a dangerous threat in the attack for Dortmund. Despite their poor form in the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund have played incredibly well on the way to winning their group and advancing to the Knockout Stage of the UEFA Champions League.

1. Bastian Schweinsteiger

UEFA Champions League

1. Bastian Schweinsteiger

UEFA Champions League — A key piece in the midfield for the 2014 World Cup Champions, Bastian Schweinsteiger is also key player for Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. Without the leadership of an injured Philipp Lahm, the experience of Schweinsteiger will be key as Bayern Munich reach the Knockout Stage of the competition.

Share On Facebook

Share