Page 4 - Best U23 XI in the UCL | UEFA Champions League 2019/20

Best U23 XI in the UCL | UEFA Champions League 2019/20

Modified Sep 27, 2019 07:14 GMT

Mbappe has been the flagbearer for talented youth making their mark in the Champions League

Midfield

Ndombele's strike against Aston Villa has already put him on the Premier League map

Although this side is set up as a 4-2-3-1, for the purpose of this discussion, we're going to discuss midfielders as the two sitting players and the other two wide ones.

The future of Portugal seems to be in great hands. Apart from all the attacking talent they seem to be creating, the defensive side of the assembly line seems to be coming together as well. Like his compatriot Joao Felix, Benfica's Florentino Luis (20) also began playing regular first-team football for Benfica last season and has been impressive as an anchor in their midfield.

His contributions in attack are limited, but he puts himself about in defence, isn't shy in a tackle and is able to intercept passes with great anticipation.

His partner in a double pivot is Tottenham Hostpur's fresh signing Tanguy Ndombele (22) who's already turning heads in the Premier League.

Although currently sidelined by injury, he should be an integral part of the Spurs machine once he returns. His passing from deep can help any team unlock defences and sitting alongside Florentino, he'll be allowed the time and space on the ball to carry it forward as well.

Dani Olmo was a U21 European Championship winner with Spain in the summer

The two wide men for this side are Nanitamo Jonathan Ikone (21) who recently marked his French national team debut with a goal and Spain's Dani Olmo (21).

Ikone began his career in the PSG academy but has since made his way to Lille after a brief spell at Montpellier. He was slightly eclipsed by former teammate Nicholas Pepe both last season and in the summer's transfer window, but he managed three goals and 10 assists in Ligue 1 last season.

Olmo is a peculiar story, but a stellar talent. He's a Spanish national who has spent all of his developmental footballing days with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. He's racking up the goals and assists for them in the league. He also had a decent outing with them last time around scoring twice and assisting one in the group stages.

He's begun this year with three goals and as many assists in Champions League qualifying, and his stock is currently only going up.