The Champions League returns on Tuesday night, and there are a number of young stars ready to play a leading role for their respective teams in Europe’s premier competition.
While many, if not all of them, will be familiar names, they will be hoping to take their influence to the next level this year with all five set to emerge as important pieces for their club.
Whether or not they can consistently deliver on the biggest stage remains to be seen, but we’re certainly excited to see them in action in the months ahead.
Ousmane Dembele
The 19-year-old attracted plenty of attention during his time with Rennes, and he now has the chance to take it up another level at Borussia Dortmund.
With Thomas Tuchel building a highly-talented and young squad, Dembele will hope to improve on his 12 goals in 26 appearances last season and make an impact in Europe too.
Marko Pjaca
The Croatian international was in high demand this summer, but eventually he opted for a switch to Turin with Juventus now expected to be legitimate contenders to win the competition this year.
Pjaca possesses great physical strength, technical ability and certainly has an eye for goal, and he will hope to fight his way into Massimiliano Allegri’s plans on a more regular basis.
Renato Sanches
Those who weren’t familiar with Sanches before Euro 2016 are certainly aware of his talents now, with the driving force in midfield emerging as one of the stars of the tournament.
Having moved to Bayern Munich, he couldn’t ask for a better coach in Carlo Ancelotti, and the Italian tactician will now be tasked with helping him develop his game further.
Marco Asensio
After impressing during a loan spell with Espanyol last year, Asensio has earned his spot in Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid squad with a series of impressive displays so far this season.
The 20-year-old scored a stunning goal in the UEFA Super Cup game and added another beauty in the La Liga opener, now he’ll hope to continue to build on that in the Champions League.
Mahmoud Dahoud
The 20-year-old midfielder was linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, as noted by The Daily Mail, but Borussia Monchengladbach were keen to keep hold of him and successfully did so.
With 32 Bundesliga appearances under his belt last season, the talented youngster will hope to show Europe why there was so much interest in him in recent months.