Federico Chiesa, recently signed by Liverpool, has been omitted from the Reds’ list, while Gabriel Jesus does not feature in Arsenal’s selection. The decisions will inevitably spark debate, given the pedigree and European experience both players bring.
In a striking contrast, the spotlight has instead fallen on two emerging prospects. Liverpool have included 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, while Arsenal have named 15-year-old Max Dowman in their squads. Their inclusion underlines the clubs’ commitment to youth development and a willingness to accelerate the progress of academy players onto the continental stage.
While the absence of established internationals may raise questions about fitness, form, or squad strategy, the promotion of such young talents reflects a broader trend within elite football: clubs are increasingly prepared to entrust Champions League opportunities to teenagers. For Ngumoha and Dowman, this represents not only a career milestone but also a rare chance to gain invaluable experience at the highest level of European competition.
The decisions signal a generational shift. As seasoned players are overlooked, the rise of emerging talents demonstrates how Europe’s top clubs are shaping their squads with an eye firmly fixed on the future
