Champions League 2017-18: 10 breakout stars

(L-R) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, Enzo Fernandez of Real Madrid, Raphael Varane of Real Madrid with Champions League trophy, Coupe des clubs Champions Europeensduring the UEFA Champions League final match between Juventus FC and Real Madrid on June 3, 2017 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

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Andriy Yarmolenko of Dynamo Kyiv during the UEFA Champions League group B match between Napoli and Dynamo Kyiv at Stadio San Paolo, Naples, Italy on 23 November 2016. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

7. Andrey Yarmolenko – Borussia Dortmund

Outside of Ukraine, it is unlikely that casual fans have heard of Andrey Yarmolenko. Yarmolenko turned pro at 18 years old with Dynamo Kyiv and scored 137 goals in all competitions for the club. Internationally, Yarmolenko has scored 29 goals for Ukraine. Early in his career, Yarmolenko drew comparisons to Ukraine and Kyiv legend Andriy Shevchenko.

Borussia Dortmund signed Yarmolenko before the season for £22.5 million, as a replacement Ousmane Dembele, who was signed by Barcelona. While Dynamo Kyiv are one of the best clubs in Ukraine, they lack the talent and financial resources to compete in Europe. With Dortmund, Yarmolenko will be given every chance to break out and will be playing alongside the most talented team of his career.

Dortmund manager Peter Bosz will likely start Yarmolenko in the front three alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic. Bosz’s aggressive, high-pressing style should suit Yarmolenko, who uses his size to overpower defenders. With the ball, Yarmolenko is a strong dribbler who can accurately deliver the ball. With Marco Reus injured again and not expected to play until 2018, Yarmolenko will be given every opportunity to rack up the goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund are in the group of death with Real Madrid, Tottenham and APOEL but should be favored to advance to the round of 16 along with Real Madrid. After being eliminated by Monaco last season, Dortmund could advance to the semifinals if they get a favorable draw.

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