Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Champions League
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Champions League
Warren Zaire-Emery will make Champions League history on Tuesday night when Paris Saint-Germain take on Bayern Munich at the Parc des Princes.
At the age of 16 years and 343 days old, the highly-rated French midfielder will become the youngest player ever to start a knockout stage game in the competition after PSG boss Christophe Galtier placed his faith in the talented teenager.
Zaire-Emery, who was described as an "alien" by teammate Vitinha following some incredible performances in training, became the youngest starter in the club's history last month during their 3-1 win over Chateauroux in the Coupe de France.
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And now, the son of Franck Emery, a former midfielder for French side Red Star FC, will become the first 2006-born player to start in the Champions League – a stat that is certain to make you feel really, really old.
Zaire-Emery was first called up to PSG's senior squad by Mauricio Pochettino at 15, and soon broke all sorts of club records, including the youngest starter and youngest goalscorer.
Some have compared his style of play to Yaya Toure – a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder who likes to get forward whenever possible. Take his goal against AS Monaco on Saturday, for example.
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In an interview with France Bleu, the Frenchman described his playing style.
"[Midfield] is a position I started in when I arrived at PSG," he said. "Before, I was on the right and I liked to dribble. Now, in the middle, it's a position with a lot of responsibility because you're the one who bridges the gap between defence and attack.
"I like to defend, project myself and play the role of midfielder."
PSG boss Christophe Galtier is a big fan of the youngster. Earlier this month, he said: "If a 16- or 17-year-old player is in better form than others, he will play."
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And despite being far younger than his teammates, the exciting prospect has been given the opportunity of a lifetime against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, who will no doubt provide a serious test for Zaire-Emery.
READ MORE: Arsenal plotting move for Warren Zaire-Emery as transfer plan revealed
Thoughts on the young midfielder getting a start for the Champions League group stage clash?
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Let us know in the comments.