dont think CL experience per se is that important.... just players with good experience playing in a top-league and/or intl. experience with national side - therefore has played well in high-pressure environment..
also players with experience of playing in multi-leagues has special value, as will be able to adapt to different playing styles, tempo, formations etc that much better.... eg. vdV who's played at the top-levels in Holland, Germany and Spain as well as many times for Holland..
we are deffo stronger than we were at season-end.... not entirely convinced Citeh have improved as much, despite the additions (as no Bellamy is a big loss I feel)...