UEFA Champions League 2018/2019: 5 U-23 stars to watch out for

#3 Leroy Sané (Manchester City)

Sané's pace may be of huge importance to Guardiola

It has been a curious start to the season for Sané. The young German was on fire last season propelling the Cityzens to the Premier League title. He also picked up the award for the Best Young Player in the league.

However, his omission from Germany’s World Cup team seems to have affected him. He has had a lukewarm start to the season and was dropped by Pep Guardiola for the game against Newcastle.

This state of affairs is not expected to last though as Sané is simply too talented to be left out forever. A mesmerizing dribbler whose babyish mien hides a fierce competitor, Sané is a fast winger who can be effective across various attacking positions. He possesses a great goalscoring knack and registers his fair share of assists.

In the UEFA Champions League, his pace and directness may help unlock stubborn defences. His ability to draw defenders out will be a weapon Guardiola will be eager to use. The Cityzens have been placed in a tasty Group F. Against Shakhtar Donetsk, Olympique Lyon, and TSG Hoffenheim; Sané may show his quality when given the chance.

He has made 14 UCL appearances in his career scoring thrice and making 4 assists.