The Champions League is a competition that defines careers. A few good performances on the biggest club stage in Europe can enhance a player’s reputation, get them a new contract, or even attract a host of scouts from opposing teams.
Over the years we have been blessed to see the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe blossom. But every new season in the Champions League brings new players who are able to increase their levels of performance. Last year we looked at a number of stars, including Lisandro Martinez, Antony, Christopher Nkunku and Darwin Nunez before they truly made it big.
So here are 11 players who have made the step up to shine this season. Some of them are already well established at their clubs, but their contributions in Europe have taken them to another level.
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Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa, 23, FC Porto
The Porto No. 1 has developed at such a rate over the past 18 months that he can rightfully be mentioned among the top goalkeepers in the world, let alone merely in the most prestigious European competition. Though having attracted most attention for his penalty saves — three in a row in the Champions League — Costa is also a remarkably mature, commanding and complete goalkeeper. An imposing shot stopper who has kept out an impressive 76% of shots and caught 10% of crosses this season, he’s confident with his feet too, which has led to links with Manchester United.
Right-back: Pedro Porro, 23, Sporting CP
With the comfort of being covered defensively in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, Porro offers a constant outlet down the right touchline. The ex-Manchester City wing-back was particularly impressive against Eintracht Frankfurt in the first round of games and has continued to provide balanced performances as the competition has progressed. Thanks to smart positioning and reading the flow of the game, Porro — also a fine crosser of the ball — is often well positioned to make passing combinations in the last third and his dribbling in advanced areas can lead to goal-scoring opportunities.
Centre-back: Antonio Silva, 19, Benfica
Having been catapulted into the first team by Roger Schmidt at the end of August, the Portugal under-19 international has kept his starting spot in the undefeated Benfica side with his confidence growing by the week. Lining up next to the slightly more adventurous Nicolas Otamendi, the 19-year-old has looked assured and composed; proving safe in possession (more than three progressive passes per 90 minutes), rarely being caught out of position or easily beaten in one-vs.-ones. Silva even chipped in with a headed goal in the 4-3 home win against Juventus last month and is reportedly on the radar of Real Madrid.
Centre-back: Strahinja Pavlovic, 21, FC Salzburg
Long considered one of the elite defensive prospects of European football, the Serbia defender — a €7m summer signing from AS Monaco — has stepped up to show why he’s rated so highly. Despite Salzburg suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of AC Milan in the last round of games, the powerful centre-back still made a solid impression overall. Left-footed, extremely dominant in the air and with a never-say-die attitude to defending, Pavlovic is efficient in an old-school, no-nonsense manner. For what he may lack in quality on the ball and mobility, he goes a long way to make up for in determination and willingness to put his body on the line.
Left-back: Piero Hincapie, 20, Bayer Leverkusen
While Leverkusen may not have enjoyed the best of starts to the Bundesliga season, the 20-year-old Ecuador international has been among their most reliable performers in the Champions League. Whether playing as a centre-back or a left-back/wing-back, Hincapie has taken his exhilarating style to the highest level of European football. The press-resistant young defender combines high-speed running with the ball, aerial strength and quick footwork — wrapped up in an all-action package — like few others.
