10 young players who could make an impact in the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League

Bhargav
Erling Haaland is one of the most sought-after players in world football
Erling Haaland is one of the most sought-after players in world football

#3 Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

Rodrygo
Rodrygo

Unlike most other players on this list, Real Madrid's teenage sensation Rodrygo has already made his mark in the Champions League.

Last season, the then 18-year-old Brazilian striker scored a hat-trick against Galatasaray to become the second-youngest player in Champions League history to do so. His returns were less prolific in La Liga though, as he scored only four times in 19 games.

Nevertheless, Rodrygo has seen more game-time this season. He came off the bench and scored the winner against Inter Milan on Matchday 3 after Real Madrid had squandered a comfortable two-goal cushion at home.

The former Santos player has often been likened with his more illustrious compatriots Robinho and Neymar. He is already rated highly by Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, the only manager in Champions League history to win three consecutive titles in the competition.

“He is only 18 years old. We are so pleased with him. He works hard and does a lot of things. We need to have patience and not pressure him. I am not surprised whatsoever; he is very talented. He is happy, his game is a real joy to watch. Rodrygo is a top-quality player, and he came here to do what he is doing. This is only the start. I really hope he can continue to do this well," says Zidane about Rodrygo.

#2 Ansu Fati (Barcelona)

Ansu Fati
Ansu Fati

The stock of Ansu Fati has been on a steady rise since he burst on to the scene last season by becoming the youngest player to score in the Champions League when he netted against Inter Milan.

Fati has flourished with more game-time under new Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman this season. He has scored four goals in the La Liga - one of them coming in the El Clasico defeat to Real Madrid - and one in the Champions League to go with three assists.

Undoubtedly one of the finest players to have emerged from Barcelona's famed La Masia academy since a certain Lionel Messi, Fati has earned lavish praise from the club's record-scorer himself for his exploits at such a young age.

"I really like him and I try to help and support him. He's an amazing player and he's got what it takes to succeed. You have to remember that he's only 16 (he's 17 now). I hope he keeps on enjoying it, and that all the fuss around him doesn't have a negative impact on him because he has the quality to become one of the best," said Messi about Fati.

#1 Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)

Erling Braut Haaland
Erling Braut Haaland

Erling Braut Haaland is undoubtedly one of the hottest young players on the planet. He has taken to the Champions League like a duck to water.

After scoring nine times for RB Salzburg in his debut Champions League season, a tally that included a hat-trick on debut, the Norwegian teenager earned a move to Borussia Dortmund in the winter, where he has continued his prolific scoring exploits.

Haaland could not help BVB avert a Champions League Round of 16 exit against eventual finalists PSG. However, the 20-year-old centre-forward has already scored four times in the competition this season to go joint top of the goalscoring charts.

Haaland, who averages almost a goal per game with BVB in all competitions (26 goals in 28 games) and better than a goal per game in the Champions League (14 goals in 11 games), has earned praise from many former players.

Former England international Jermaine Jonas described Haaland as the epitome of a complete striker when he said:

"He looks complete as a striker. He's got the size, and he upsets defenders with how strong he is. He hits the ball so hard he doesn't give goalkeepers a chance. He just scores every type of goal. He's got that knack and you can't really coach that. His numbers are off the charts."

If he continues his meteoric ascent and prolific exploits, it may not be too long before Haaland gets talked about in the same breath as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two most prolific scorers in Champions League history.

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