Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard feels there is a lot to learn for young players from playing in the Champions League because of the different styles of football one must tackle in the competition.
The young winger has come of age at Old Trafford this season and after a frustrating year because of serious knee problems, the Manchester United academy product has finally established himself in the first team squad under Louis van Gaal.
Lingard also made his Champions League debut this season and provided the assist which led to Wayne Rooney’s winner against CSKA Moscow earlier this month.
The winger admits that he was not a huge follower of the competition during his tender years, but has grown more interested in the Champions League in the last few years.
Lingard feels the Champions League is a wonderful learning ground for young players because of the different brands of football one might encounter when taking on top European sides in the competition.
relatedNewsStory
The 22-year-old told UEFA: “I wouldn’t say I followed it closely at a young age.
“At about 16-17, I started following it a bit more. I think this is competition I have always wanted to play in. It’s unbelievable to play in it.
“Just the different styles of football; you can watch Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid always have something different.
"To watch that growing up, you can learn from that.”
The winger has been a regular feature in the Manchester United eleven in the last few weeks and could start when they host PSV Eindhoven later tonight at Old Trafford.
