Which player are you most looking forward to watching?published at 13:31 BST
13:31 BST
Champions League
Image source, Getty Images
Just because it’s the obvious answer doesn’t mean it’s wrong…
John Murray: The player I’m looking forward to watching is Yamal as I am yet to commentate on him in a Barcelona shirt.
While disappointingly it looks like he might not be fit for Thursday at St James’ Park, I suspect there will be other opportunities as this Champions League progresses.
Sami Mokbel: At 18, Yamal is still a kid – but already one of the premier attacking talents in European football. Destined to be one of, if not the, best footballers in the world.
Steph Houghton: Yamal is a global superstar. I’m excited to see how he performs against teams that are more than likely going to double up against him.
Nicky Bandini: We’re all itching to see more of Yamal, aren’t we? The two legs of Barcelona’s semi-final against Inter last season will stay with me for a very long time. Maybe it’s unfair to ask an 18-year-old what he can do for an encore, but you can’t help but be excited at the prospect.
There are plenty of others I’m excited to watch too though! Of course we’re all curious about Max Dowman after he made his debut for Arsenal at 15, and it’ll be fun to see Scott McTominay in the Champions League with Napoli after he fired them to a domestic title last season and was named Serie A’s Most Valuable Player.
I wonder if this might be a breakout year for Kenan Yildiz too, still only 20 and with a full season of starting for Juventus now under his belt.
Phil McNulty: It’s not a shock choice but I can’t wait to see Yamal play for Barcelona, hopefully starting against Newcastle on Thursday, although the 18-year-old is struggling with a back injury picked up on international duty with Spain.
PSG’s Doue is another brilliant young talent currently struggling with an injury, but he is another who will light up the tournament when fit, as he did so wonderfully last season.
Matt Upson: Yamal is the player I want to see. He is a ridiculous talent and I love watching him play.