Five young stars to take the Champions League by storm this season.
With the Champions League kicking off on Tuesday, the whole world will have their eyes on the competition looking for the latest young star to turn into the latest big name. This year’s competition is well stocked, and there will be plenty of names on display, the top five of which are listed below as particular highlights.
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5. Kurt Zouma – Chelsea
The young Frenchman has been steadily building a reputation for himself in his homeland with Saint Etienne, and he will now get a chance to test himself on the highest stage at Stamford Bridge. Zouma still has a lot of work to do to break the stronghold of John Terry and Gary Cahill, but with the games coming thick and fast he will undoubtedly get his chance to feature for Jose Mourinho soon enough. Quick and powerful, he has all the necessary to be a success in the Champions League, only time will tell before he makes his first appearance.
4. Alen Halilovic – Barcelona
The Croatian midfield ace had been the subject of some serious interest over the summer, only for Barcelona to stump several English sides to his signature. Still very young (18) and very raw, it could be a while before he gets his chance. Already with some European experience under his belt from his time at Dinamo Zagreb, he could be called upon as the club can no longer go out and pick up reinforcements due to their transfer embargo. He is wily enough to break into the side, but will likely be called upon should injuries hit the squad.
3. Calum Chambers – Arsenal
Nobody expected Chambers to be such a hit at The Emirates, especially in an unfamiliar position. Starting straight away he will be given a chance to keep Mathieu Debuchy out on the side thanks to the Frenchman’s ankle injury, making way for the more experienced Koscielny and Mertesacker to keep things together in the middle. What sets Chambers apart from the rest is his intelligence, positioning, and understated dynamism when venturing down the flank. He will surely prove to be a huge asset for the Gunners both domestically as well as in the Champions League.
Hakan Çalhanoglu – Bayer Leverkusen
Having already made a name for himself with Hamburg last season, he attracted the attention of a number of top sides from all across Europe before linking up with Leverkusen. He will now be expected to kick on and improve. A supremely talented German-born Turkish international, the free-kick specialist is already starring for his new club following his €14.5 million move in July, and everyone connected with the club will be hoping he can take his domestic form into Europe.
1. Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
Sterling is a very exciting prospect indeed and has all the potential to become the best player in the world should he continue on the same trajectory. It’s fair to say that he would have torn up the Champions League last season had Liverpool made it, and many will be watching with baited breath to see how a team like Ludogorets deal with him. Deceptively strong, quick, and with an eye for goal, he will be a thorn in the side for any defence that he comes up against.