YOUTH LEAGUE
Eight stars to watch from the final four of Uefa's Youth League
The champions of the European under-19 club competition will be decided in Nyon over the coming days as Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea and Porto battle it out.
The semi-finals of the Uefa Youth League take place on Friday 20 April as the under-19s of Chelsea and Porto face each other at 13:00 CEST followed by Man City and Barcelona at 17:00. Here are a few names to keep an eye on...
Iñaki Peña (Barcelona, goalkeeper, 19, Spain)
The next big goalkeeper to come out of Barça's youth academy, Peña is possibly a future Spain international in the making. With a strong temperament, he is good with both feet and remains agile despite his lofty height. he is the final lock at the back for the blaugranitas that needs to be picked. He shone for the Under-17s and is doing so now at the next level.
Abel Ruiz (Barcelona, striker, 18, Spain)
This number nine starred for his country in the Under-17s, both at the European and World tournaments. He is arguably the brightest of this talented Under-19 side, has already scored for Gerard's Barça B team, and is on course for a very promising career.
Brahim Díaz (Man City, playmaker, 18, Spain)
Debuted with Pep Guardiola's City side Díaz, who came over from LaLiga side Málaga, has shown he has the potential to become a huge star in world football. Low centre of gravity, he controls the ball's movement with style and uses his vision to develop play.
Phil Foden (Man City, winger, 17, England)
A stand-out at the Under-17 World Cup, this left-footed wide player has a great burst of pace and, like Díaz, was given his first-team debut under Guardiola, which included a game in the Champions league. The footballing world is his oyster.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea, winger, 17, England)
One of the many England players to impress at the recent Under-17 World Cup in India which they won. Chelsea have already made it clear that they undertand his potential, and with his power and quality down either flank much is expected.
George McEachran (Chelsea, midfielder, 16, England)
Brother of former Chelsea player, Josh, he has an exquisite left foot and gives much of the tone to the play of the London youngsters. He also played his part in the victorious World Champions at Under-17 level.
Diogo Dalot (Porto, right back, 19, Portugal)
Sergio Conceiçao has already used Dalot in the Porto first team and much is expected from the lad in his home country, where he has also shone for the national youth side. His ability to get up and down the wings to support attacks when necessary provides a great outlet.
Romario Baró (Porto, midfielder, 18, Portugal)
Originally from Guinea Bissau in West Africa, this midfielder uses his strength and movement to the benefit of his Porto side. A fundamental part of the club's success he is also proving important to the national youth team and has a bright future ahead of him.
