The rising stars to watch in this year's Champions League

From 'Kvaradona' to the next Lillian Thuram

NEXT GEN: The group stages kick off tonight.  

Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan) 

Comparisons to compatriot Kevin De Bruyne have been unavoidable for Charles De Ketelaere following his recent €35million transfer to AC Milan. The 21-year-old playmaker, who considered a move to the Premier League before rejecting Leeds United in favour of the San Siro, contributed 25 goals and 20 assists while making 120 appearances – 16 of which came in the Champions League – for Club Brugge. Described as "a class player" by Rossoneri legend Paolo Maldini, who serves as the club's technical director, De Ketelaere has accumulated eight senior caps for Belgium since making his debut as a 19-year-old in a friendly against Switzerland. The talented left-footer opened his international account in a 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Italy last October. De Ketelaere "leaves you speechless with his technical ability," according to Belgium boss Roberto Martinez. "He can follow in the footsteps of the greats of AC Milan.”