20 UEFA Champions League debutants to look out for (part 1/2)

The world's most elite football club competition starts again next week. Many players will be attaining a dream by playing in the UEFA Champions League Group Stages for the first time. But which of these first timers will hit the ground running and show that they are ready to compete at the very highest level.

In a 2 part series, we have selected 20 Champions League Group Stage debutants you should keep your eye on in the 2017-18 season. In this article we list the first 10.

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#1 Hirving Lozano

Lozano in action for PSV

The Mexican wonderkid was fantastic in his first season in Europe and continued his performances in the World Cup.

The scorer of one of Mexico's most famous ever goals is rumoured to be on the wishlist of all of Europe's biggest clubs, which is music to the ears of his agent Mino Raiola. An opening fixture in the Camp Nou could be a glimpse into his future.

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#2 Lautaro Martínez

Lautaro with Inter Milan

The latest in a never ending line of Argentinian attackers, Lautaro Martinez has all the qualities to be a big hit at Inter in his very first season. Built like a Ferrari, Lautaro could be a real wildcard for the Italians as they return to the Champions League in a very tough group.

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#3 Arthur Melo

Arthur Melo

Fresh off his first call-up with the Brazilian national team, Arthur has slotted into the Barcelona team like a fish to water. The player conquered South American football and will look to do the same in Europe. FC Barcelona is not a bad place to achieve that goal.

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#4 David Neres

Ajax's David Neres

The tricky winger is starting to make this Ajax team his own. On his day the Brazilian can be a real handful, and is capable of going past 2 or 3 players on his lonesome. Previously criticised for not having an end product, Neres has improved this finishing as Ajax's top goalscorer last season.

#5 Stefan de Vrij

Stefan de Vrij

Finally, the Champion's League group stage will see the Dutch centre-back who joined Inter from Lazio on a free transfer this summer. Twice missing out on the group stages with Feyenoord and Lazio, the Dutch international will be a key part of Luciano Spalletti's plans.

#6 Rodri

Rodri with Atletico Madrid

The 6ft 3 midfielder returns to the club that once released him as a youngster. On the outskirts of the Spanish national team, Rodri showed a snippet of his continental class in the European Super Cup victory over rivals Real Madrid.

#7 Amine Harit

Amine Harit

The Bundesliga Rookie of the Year was captivating in his first season in Germany. His willingness to take on defenders was a great reason why Schalke finished second in the Bundesliga.

The former French youth international also did himself no harm with his efforts in the World Cup for Morocco.

#8 Fernando

Fernando

The newest of Shakhtar's Brazilian army is a 19-year-old forward who the Ukrainian Champions have already shown a lot of faith in by giving him lots of minutes to start the season. If he is anything like Shakhtar's Brazilian alumni, he can surely make his mark.

#9 Abel Hernandez

Abel Hernandez

The once highly rated goal scorer will make his Champions League debut at 28 years old. Given a lifeline by CSKA Moscow, La Joya has already started scoring goals in Russia.

The former Hull City and Palermo man will hope that a good showing in Europe can see him forge a way back into the Uruguayan national team.

#10 Tanguy Ndombele

Ndombele with Olympique Lyonnais

The French U21 international had a break-out year with Lyon last season. He and fellow French youngster Houssem Aouar played above what was initially expected.

Ndombele leaving Lyon for a sizeable fee is not a matter of if, but when.