There could be a host of familiar faces on show when Villarreal take on Liverpool in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.
Unai Emery has rebuilt his reputation in charge of the Yellow Submarine following bruising spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal. The former Sevilla boss has been rewarded for turning down Newcastle United earlier this season with a remarkable run to the last four.
Aside from Emery, there is a noticeable Premier League flavour to the Villarreal side which will be looking to defy the odds once again on Merseyside. Here is a look at the seven former top-flight stars who could be lining up against Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Serge Aurier
The first of four former Tottenham players in Emery's squad, Aurier signed a two-year deal with Villarreal in October after agreeing to a mutual termination of his deal in north London. The Ivory Coast international spoke of the need for a 'new challenge', and was allowed to depart following the summer arrival of Emerson Royal.
Etienne Capoue
The French midfielder was one of the seven players signed by Tottenham in the aftermath of Gareth Bale's record move to Real Madrid. Now 33, Capoue followed up by two years with Spurs by spending six seasons with Watford, before signing for Villarreal last year.
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Francis Coquelin
The former Arsenal prospect was famously dismissed as out of his depth by Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson after the 8-2 thrashing in 2011. Coquelin spent a decade with the Gunners, and signed for Villarreal in 2020 after two seasons with Valencia.
Juan Foyth
The Argentina international signed a new contract with Tottenham in 2020 before going on to enjoy an impressive season-long loan spell with Villarreal, helping Emery's side lift the Europa League. The temporary arrangement included a clause for a permanent deal, and it was no surprise the La Liga side took this option on the 24-year-old.
Vicente Iborra
The former Sevilla captain struggled to make an impact in a two-year spell at Leicester City, and returned to Spain with Villarreal in 2019. The now 34-year-old made just three starts in his final season at the King Power Stadium, and fell further down the pecking order with the emergence of Hamza Choudhury.
Giovani Lo Celso
The fourth and final Tottenham player on this list, Lo Celso is currently on loan from Antonio Conte's side following a mid-season switch. The 26-year-old was signed by Mauricio Pochettino but failed to nail down a regular starting spot under a succession of managers.
Alberto Moreno
Moreno spent five seasons with Liverpool and was released just three days after their Champions League final victory in 2019, having made five appearances all season. However, the 29-year-old still retains an affinity with the Reds and made a dig at rivals Manchester United after last season's Europa League final.
