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

#2 Marco Asensio (Real Madrid)

Madrid's wonderboy looks set to shine brightly

Finally, the UEFA Champions League will get to see the 90-minute version of Asensio this season. A bit-part player in the last two campaigns for Los Merengues, the 22-year-old’s status has changed.

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo means an attacking role has been freed up. New manager Julen Lopetegui seems enamoured with the Mallorca-born player.

He may play a key role in Real’s pursuit of its 14th UEFA Champions League title, 4th in 4 years. Quick-footed, deceptively strong with an eye for a pass and a scorer of spectacular long-range shots from outside the penalty area, Asensio is very calm for his age and doesn’t seem to rush into taking decisions while on the field of play.

Capable of playing on both flanks or behind the main striker, his versatility made him a potent off-the-bench weapon under Zinedine Zidane. Now a key member of the new waves at both club and national level, the 2018/2019 season looks set to feel the full force of Asensio’s talent.

Real Madrid is expected to go deep in the tournament (or even defend it successfully). An easy looking Group G (AS Roma, Viktoria Plzen & Spartak Moscow) may see Asensio start the UEFA Champions League on a good note.

Asensio has appeared 20 times in the UCL. In this time, he has scored 4 goals and created 2 assists.