The UEFA Youth League has built a solid reputation for honing the talents of tomorrow, and the ninth edition is no exception. The Under-19 competition, launched in 2013, aims to reduce the gap between club academies and the first team, offering valuable international experience before the winners are crowned every April. With the round of 16 kicking off in February, here are six young players lighting up this season’s tournament as they look to follow in the footsteps of Youth League graduates including João Félix, Mason Mount, Gonçalo Ramos and Christopher Nkunku.
This pacy right-sided player already had first-team experience under his belt (including an Old Firm cameo) when he arrived at Anfield from Celtic last March. Contributed four goals and four assists in six Youth League outings in the autumn and made his Premier League debut on Boxing Day.
Originally a centre-back like his father, former Argentinian international Pablo Paz, Nico now excels in midfield, where his close control and long-range shooting offer regular menace. Five group stage goals last autumn ended an excellent year in which he was called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
The UEFA Youth League has built a solid reputation for honing the talents of tomorrow, and the ninth edition is no exception. The Under-19 competition, launched in 2013, aims to reduce the gap between club academies and the first team, offering valuable international experience before the winners are crowned every April. With the round of 16 kicking off in February, here are six young players lighting up this season’s tournament as they look to follow in the footsteps of Youth League graduates including João Félix, Mason Mount, Gonçalo Ramos and Christopher Nkunku.
This pacy right-sided player already had first-team experience under his belt (including an Old Firm cameo) when he arrived at Anfield from Celtic last March. Contributed four goals and four assists in six Youth League outings in the autumn and made his Premier League debut on Boxing Day.
Originally a centre-back like his father, former Argentinian international Pablo Paz, Nico now excels in midfield, where his close control and long-range shooting offer regular menace. Five group stage goals last autumn ended an excellent year in which he was called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
An elegant forward who can play as a No9, a second striker and on the wing. Made his first-team debut at Manchester City in last season’s Champions League round of 16 and managed four goals and two assists for the undefeated Lions in this season’s Youth League group stage.
Blessed with a gift for dribbling and unpicking defences with his passing, Alesi can spark danger either as a support striker or out on the flanks. Carefully nurtured by Milan since 2017, when Manchester United reportedly counted among his admirers, he repaid the club with four goals in four group stage outings.
Versatile attacking player blessed with searing pace and ice-cold execution in front of goal. Made headlines with a double hat-trick for Paris U19s in October and was prolific in the group stage with eight goals in six appearances. Also struck twice for the seniors in a December friendly.
Just 15 when he made his first-team debut for Slavia Sofia, the centre-back was snapped up by Barcelona in July. With technique to match his physical maturity, he was part of the first Bulgaria side in 30 years to qualify for the U17 EURO in 2022 and has since stepped up to the U21s.
The UEFA Youth League has built a solid reputation for honing the talents of tomorrow, and the ninth edition is no exception. The Under-19 competition, launched in 2013, aims to reduce the gap between club academies and the first team, offering valuable international experience before the winners are crowned every April. With the round of 16 kicking off in February, here are six young players lighting up this season’s tournament as they look to follow in the footsteps of Youth League graduates including João Félix, Mason Mount, Gonçalo Ramos and Christopher Nkunku.
This pacy right-sided player already had first-team experience under his belt (including an Old Firm cameo) when he arrived at Anfield from Celtic last March. Contributed four goals and four assists in six Youth League outings in the autumn and made his Premier League debut on Boxing Day.
Originally a centre-back like his father, former Argentinian international Pablo Paz, Nico now excels in midfield, where his close control and long-range shooting offer regular menace. Five group stage goals last autumn ended an excellent year in which he was called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
The UEFA Youth League has built a solid reputation for honing the talents of tomorrow, and the ninth edition is no exception. The Under-19 competition, launched in 2013, aims to reduce the gap between club academies and the first team, offering valuable international experience before the winners are crowned every April. With the round of 16 kicking off in February, here are six young players lighting up this season’s tournament as they look to follow in the footsteps of Youth League graduates including João Félix, Mason Mount, Gonçalo Ramos and Christopher Nkunku.
This pacy right-sided player already had first-team experience under his belt (including an Old Firm cameo) when he arrived at Anfield from Celtic last March. Contributed four goals and four assists in six Youth League outings in the autumn and made his Premier League debut on Boxing Day.
Originally a centre-back like his father, former Argentinian international Pablo Paz, Nico now excels in midfield, where his close control and long-range shooting offer regular menace. Five group stage goals last autumn ended an excellent year in which he was called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
The UEFA Youth League has built a solid reputation for honing the talents of tomorrow, and the ninth edition is no exception. The Under-19 competition, launched in 2013, aims to reduce the gap between club academies and the first team, offering valuable international experience before the winners are crowned every April. With the round of 16 kicking off in February, here are six young players lighting up this season’s tournament as they look to follow in the footsteps of Youth League graduates including João Félix, Mason Mount, Gonçalo Ramos and Christopher Nkunku.
This pacy right-sided player already had first-team experience under his belt (including an Old Firm cameo) when he arrived at Anfield from Celtic last March. Contributed four goals and four assists in six Youth League outings in the autumn and made his Premier League debut on Boxing Day.
Originally a centre-back like his father, former Argentinian international Pablo Paz, Nico now excels in midfield, where his close control and long-range shooting offer regular menace. Five group stage goals last autumn ended an excellent year in which he was called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
An elegant forward who can play as a No9, a second striker and on the wing. Made his first-team debut at Manchester City in last season’s Champions League round of 16 and managed four goals and two assists for the undefeated Lions in this season’s Youth League group stage.
Blessed with a gift for dribbling and unpicking defences with his passing, Alesi can spark danger either as a support striker or out on the flanks. Carefully nurtured by Milan since 2017, when Manchester United reportedly counted among his admirers, he repaid the club with four goals in four group stage outings.
Versatile attacking player blessed with searing pace and ice-cold execution in front of goal. Made headlines with a double hat-trick for Paris U19s in October and was prolific in the group stage with eight goals in six appearances. Also struck twice for the seniors in a December friendly.
Just 15 when he made his first-team debut for Slavia Sofia, the centre-back was snapped up by Barcelona in July. With technique to match his physical maturity, he was part of the first Bulgaria side in 30 years to qualify for the U17 EURO in 2022 and has since stepped up to the U21s.
The UEFA Youth League has built a solid reputation for honing the talents of tomorrow, and the ninth edition is no exception. The Under-19 competition, launched in 2013, aims to reduce the gap between club academies and the first team, offering valuable international experience before the winners are crowned every April. With the round of 16 kicking off in February, here are six young players lighting up this season’s tournament as they look to follow in the footsteps of Youth League graduates including João Félix, Mason Mount, Gonçalo Ramos and Christopher Nkunku.
This pacy right-sided player already had first-team experience under his belt (including an Old Firm cameo) when he arrived at Anfield from Celtic last March. Contributed four goals and four assists in six Youth League outings in the autumn and made his Premier League debut on Boxing Day.
Originally a centre-back like his father, former Argentinian international Pablo Paz, Nico now excels in midfield, where his close control and long-range shooting offer regular menace. Five group stage goals last autumn ended an excellent year in which he was called up by Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.
