Promising Nigerian midfielder Marvin Olawale Akinlabi Park is in line to make his debut in the prestigious UEFA Youth League after his inclusion in the squad list by European champions Real Madrid.

Akinlabi is amongst eighteen midfielders named on the roster by Real Madrid U19 manager Daniel Poyatos Algaba.

The format of the UEFA Youth League mirrors that of the Champions League and that means Real Madrid youth team will do battle with CSKA Moscow, AS Roma and Viktoria Plzeň in the group stage.

Born in Palma de Mallorca, Akinlabi joined Real Madrid in July 2016 after stops at Sporting Ciudad de Palma, Tranmere Rovers, Sporting Ciudad de Palma, La Salle and Es Jonquet Penya Arrabal.

The uncapped 18-year-old is eligible to represent the national teams of Nigeria, South Korea and Spain and the three countries are certain to monitor his performance in the UEFA Youth League if he's handed playing time.

Former Nigeria U23 international Godswill Ekpolo with Barcelona and Chelsea trio Ola Aina, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori have won the UEFA Youth League in the past.

Real Madrid's group stage campaign gets underway against Roma at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano (Madrid) on September 19.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : realmadrid.com