The latest UEFA round of 16 draws has created much excitement, bringing the whole world on the edge of their seats – rooting for their favorite team this Champions League season. With legends like Christiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi already making the draw in their respective teams, we know which teams are going to have an obvious edge in the game, but have you heard of these five U-21 players who might just win their teams the Champions League trophy with their football prowess?
#5 Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
With 29 appearances and 6 goals, this 19-year-old is one of the newest talents in the world of football. Signing his professional contract on 1 February 2018 as squad number 17, this midfielder is Liverpool’s homegrown talent.
Jones proved his football finesse with a smashing performance against Atlanta this season in the Champion’s League. The 19-year-old made more passes than his more experienced colleagues like Jordan Henderson and Georgina Wijnaldum in the match.
With his breakthrough performance this season, Jones is sure to become a permanent fixture in Klopp’s team.
#4 Alphonso Davis (Bayern Munich)
Born in 2000, this young Canadian footballer has quickly climbed the ranks as one of the most promising young players in the world of football. Originally a Vancouver Whitecaps FC winger, Davis’ transfer to FC Bayern Munich was a $22 million deal between the two clubs — pushing him on the No. 1 spot for the world’s most valuable young player.
Having made 159 match appearances in total, Alphonso has scored 18 goals in his professional career.
Although originally a winger, Davis now plays as a defender for the Bavarians — making him capable of both attack and defence on the field. With an average of 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game, Davis has proved to be Bayern’s true weapon this season.
#3 Rodrygo (Real Madrid)
Unlike most other young players, Rodrygo is one player who has already made his mark in the Champions League.
Last season, the then 18-year-old striker scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray, making him the second-youngest player (after Raul Gonzalez) in Champions League history to do so.
Making 124 appearances and scoring 28 goals in his professional career, Rodrygo is one of the biggest players to watch out for not only this Champion’s League season but also for the rest of his career.
#2 Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
Making 43 appearances and scoring 13 goals for Barcelona, this 18-year-old left winger is one of the hottest new players in town.
Fati has been on a steady rise since his debut in the last season by becoming the youngest player to score in the Champion’s League when he netted against Inter Milan.
Undoubtedly one of the finest footballers to have emerged from Spain, Fati was also a player at the famed La Masia Academy which has produced other legendary talents like Lionel Messi.
#1 Erling Braut Haaland (Borussioa Dorfmund)
If you are an avid footballer, you must’ve heard this name. Erling Braut Haaland has taken the Champions League by storm with his calmness and focus on the field.
After scoring nine times (including a hat-trick) for RB Salzbury in his debut Champion’s League season, this young Norwegian player had all eyes on him as he earned a move to Borussia Dortmund FC.
With 143 match appearances and 102 goals already under his belt, Haaland is one player to watch out for this season because he may just earn Dortmund the trophy with his skills.
Even with their limited professional experience, these five players have made their mark on the field. As the competition thickens, they’re all set to go head-to-head in the upcoming UEFA matches. Which of these players are you most excited to watch this Champion’s League season?
