We’re into the final matchday of the group stages of the Champions League and boy has it been an entertaining tournament.
From Lionel Messi’s masterclass against Tottenham to James Milner dominating PSG at Anfield to Neymar returning the favour in the return leg in Paris, we have witnessed quite a few jaw-dropping performances.
There is not much to play for in the final round of fixtures on Wednesday, given how most of the groups are already decided. However, the fight for the group winner’s spot is still alive in most of the groups and we can expect teams to go to lengths to claim that spot.
Here, we take a look at some of the young players you might want to keep an eye out for on Wednesday night.
Nikola Vlasic (CSKA MOSCOW)
Placed last in the group, Moscow are mathematically out of the race for a knockout stage qualification. However, they can still finish third and qualify for the Europa League but a mammoth task stands in their way – facing Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Moscow need to better Viktoria Plzen’s result in order to finish third and they will be hoping that Nikola Vlasic – scorer of the goal in their shock win over Los Blancos – will lead them to victory once again.
The midfielder has scored three goals and assisted one in five games and will be looking to add to his tally against a shaky Madrid side.
Lorenzo Pellegrini (ROMA)
Lorenzo Pellegrini.
Roma are placed second in group G and have their fate sealed. No result will see them top the group since they were beaten by Real Madrid in both ties.
However, the Giallorossi will be looking to finish the group stages on a high after going down against the defending champions.
Lorenzo Pellegrini has been the beating heart behind most of Roma’s attacks this campaign. With a goal to go with his three assists, the 22-year-old is surely one to watch out for ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
Frenkie De Jong (AJAX)
Frenkie De Jong
The Dutchman has been pulling the strings for the Dutch resurgence and will be tested against one of the biggest clubs in Europe on Wednesday.
Ajax take on Bayern Munich in a ‘winner takes the group’ tie at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday.
De Jong does not have a single goal or assist to his name in the Champions League this season but the 21-year-old has been central to Ajax’s exploits in midfield.
Joshua Kimmich (BAYERN MUNICH)
Joshua Kimmich
Robert Lewandowski has scored six goals so far as Bayern Munich head into the final game on top of Group E.
However for all the Pole striker’s class, his teammate Joshua Kimmich deserves just as much credit for his performances at right-back.
The 23-year-old full-back, who can also function as a centre-back or a central midfield, jumped onto the Champions League wave last season after scoring a screamer against Real Madrid.
The German giants have a tough task ahead of them as they take on a high-flying Ajax in Amsterdam. A draw would suffice for the visitors but it’s unlikely that Nikola Kovac’s men will bow down and play the match on the backfoot.
Keep an eye out for Kimmich’s exploits on the right flank.
Houssem Aouar (LYON)
Houssem Aouar.
In a relatively open Group F, Lyon take on Shaktar Donetsk in a crucial tie. A draw would enable the French side to qualify as runners-up and a win could even put them in pole position in the group if Hoffenheim pull off an upset over Manchester City.
Before the weekend, Lyon were the only team to have defeated City this season and Houssem Aouar has been the driving force behind their successful Champions League campaign.
The 20-year-old has provided three assists so far and has attracted attention from top European clubs already.
