UCL talking points: How good is Pulisic? Is Vinícius a Ballon d'Or lock?

Christian Pulisic and Vinícius Júnior have impressed for AC Milan in the Champions League this season .

The American is on a hot streak and is realising his potential after being shaped by difficult times he has had to endure at Chelsea .

The underperforming big guns of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich may be beginning to sweat just a little.

Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have both struggled to live up to expectations so far.

PSG can point to Luis Enrique's team being in transition from the club's old superstar era to one built around emerging young talent.

Bayern have no such mitigation and their defeat against Barcelona exposed all of the problems that will stop them challenging for the Champions League this season .

I would keep De Jong and Gavi on the bench. I would keep Fermin with a free role in midfield , both attacking and pressing while also dropping deeper out of possession to help the double pivot. The defensive high line will be risky against Real Madrid , but Barça also know they will have the ability to hurt the Merengues with the form that Raphinha , Lewandowski and Lamine are in right now..