Source: Daily_Mail
The Friday Five: The hottest young prospects in the Champions League
Europe's elite clubs today learn their fate in the draw for the Champions League knockout stages. The Barclays Premier League is well represented by Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham, who are experiencing their first season in Europe's top club competition. [LNB]Yet, Spurs aren't the only newcomers. Many young players are tasting life among the elite for the first time. This week, Sportsmail looks at five of the hottest youngster playing for teams to rival the English.[LNB]Thiago Alcantara (Midfielder, aged 19, Barcelona)The Italy-born Barcelona player has attracted plenty of attention, particularly for an outstanding performance for Spain in the 3-1 victory over England in the European Under-19 Championship semi-final this summer.[LNB]The 19-year-old (right) is the son of Brazilian World Cup-winner Mazinho and has only played in one Champions League match, when he impressed as Barca beat Rubin 2-0 earlier this month. The creative midfielder is hoping a good run will guarantee him more first-team action at Camp Nou.[LNB]Philippe Coutinho (Midfielder aged 18, Inter Milan)This two-footed Brazilian has been billed as 'the future of Inter' and assisted Javier Zanetti's second-minute goal against Tottenham in the Italian side's thrilling 4-3 victory. [LNB]The diminutive midfielder signed for Inter at 16 and, two years on, is now beginning to making a splash for the European Champions. He made his international debut for Brazil in their 3-0 win over Iran in October and great things clearly lie ahead for the promising teenager.[LNB]Video: Coutinho v Tottenham[LNB][LNB]Andre Ayew (Winger, aged 21, Marseille)The cunning Olympique Marseille winger (right) has been a vital part of the team in the competition so far, making two assists for the French side. [LNB]He starred for Ghana in the final of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and in the World Cup in the summer, also helping Marseille take the French champions trophy in Tunisia. Coach Didier Deschamps has said the 20-year-old is skilful in the air and has 'great potential'.[LNB]Douglas Costa (aged 20, Skakhtar Donetsk)The quick-witted Brazilian signed for Shakhtar in January for £6million and has come into his own this season, scoring in five out of 12 matches. [LNB]The 20-year-old has already attracted interest from the Euro elite and is now likely to draw more attention. He scored in the Russian side's 3-0 win at Braga in September and assisted the excellent Luiz Adriano's two goals, but has not matched that display since.[LNB]VIDEO: Watch Costa in action[LNB][LNB]Diego Contento (Defender, aged 20, Bayern Munich)Contento has only made three appearances in this competition after undergoing groin surgery in September, but the Germany-born left back (right) set up Franck Ribery's goal in Bayern Munich's 3-0 win over Basel last week. [LNB]Contento's Italian family named him after former Napoli star Maradona, and committed his future to Italy this autumn. The 20-year-old looks set to follow in the footsteps of both his namesake and the greats from Bayern's youth team.[LNB] The Friday Five: Sizzling United v Arsenal clashes in Fergie-Wenger yearsThe Friday Five: Mourinho's most memorable moments of madness! [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Franck Ribery Places: Barcelona, Tunisia, Germany, Italy, Ghana, Spain, Islamic Republic of Iran, United Kingdom, Brazil, Europe
