Top 5 youngsters from the Champions League group stage
With the Champions League group stage complete and the last-16 knock-out round on the horizon, we now have a chance to have look back at the first six games of Europe’s elite club competition.
As ever, this season’s tournament has provided hours of excitement for fans across the continent .
The Champions League provides the perfect stage for young players to make a big name for themselves and already this term we have witnessed some fantastic performances from a number of fledgling stars. Squawka looks at the best of those from the 2013/14 group stage.
5. Phil Jones (Manchester United) – 191 points
Despite their poor domestic form, Manchester United have not disappointed with their Champions League performance, topping group A with 14 points.
Phil Jones’ goal two weeks ago was enough to guide United safely through the competition’s group phase, with a 1-0 victory over Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk. His displays throughout have seen him lauded as the Red Devil’s go-to-man.
The 21-year-old has been utilised as a midfielder in his five appearances and his selection is in this position has been a key factor behind the team’s success, particularly in defensive terms.
With just one goal conceded during his time on the pitch, Jones’ role in front of the back four is vital for United in order to shut out the opposition attack. This season he has averaged eight defensive actions per match, with 23 clearances, 12 interceptions, three blocks and two tackles to his name.
The Englishman has previously been tipped by former boss Sir Alex Ferguson as the future captain of Manchester United and in Europe this season he has certainly started to show real signs of his obvious potential.