Champions League 2017-18: 10 breakout stars
By Adam Stocker
2. Emil Forsberg – RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig are the most hated team in Germany because of the belief that Red Bull is violating Germany’s 50+1 rule. Founded in May 2008, Leipzig rose from the fifth division in 2009 to the Bundesliga last year. Leipzig finished second in their first season in the Bundesliga. The club make their Champions League debut this season and have a few breakout candidates.
Timo Werner and Naby Keita arguably broke out last season. Werner scored 21 goals in the Bundesliga and three goals in the Confederations Cup, while dynamic box-to-box midfielder Naby Keita was bought by Liverpool for a club record fee. This season, it is Emil Forsberg’s turn to break out for Leipzig. Forsberg broke out last season in Germany with eight goals and 22 assists but is rather unknown outside of Germany and his native Sweden.
The pace and vision of Forsberg created openings for Leipzig turning them into one of the most exciting teams in Germany to watch. Forsberg is able to find a man in space with the perfect pass to set up goal scoring chances around the box. Outside of the box, the winger can deliver beautiful crosses and deliver the perfectly placed corner.
An argument can be made that without Forsberg, Werner would not have had his breakout season. Werner signed with Leipzig after three seasons with Stuttgart where he scored 13 goals in 96 games. Forsberg assisted on seven of Werner’s 21 goals in his first season with the club.