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With Neymar’s PSG among the favourites to win this season's Champions League after an astonishing summer transfer window, it was rather odd to see a different no.10 running the show in the opening round of fixtures.

Taking on Club Brugge, manager Mauricio Pochettino fielded Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and new signing Lionel Messi, all together for the first time in their European opener.

Noa Lang was up against two of the best players in the world when he played PSG, but he outperformed both Messi and Neymar
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Noa Lang was up against two of the best players in the world when he played PSG, but he outperformed both Messi and NeymarCredit: Getty
He is already part of the Netherlands' senior side and looks well set to stick around
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He is already part of the Netherlands' senior side and looks well set to stick aroundCredit: Getty

But despite coming up against a PSG side with two of the best playmakers currently operating in the game, it was Brugge’s Noa Lang who .

The 22-year-old was named man of the match.

Neymar who?

With Neymar’s shirt number, haircut, gloves and tilted running style, Lang was a doppelganger for the superstar Brazilian as he bounced around PSG’s midfield and defence with ease.

Able to slow down play to a stand-still with the ball at his feet, Lang squares up defenders before unleashing a piece of skill or burst of pace much like his opposing number ten.

Amsterdam beginnings

The 22-year-old Ajax academy product joined Brugge permanently in the summer, but may not be around for long with Liverpool reportedly chasing the star Dutchman.

Lang came through at Ajax and left permanently in 2021 having spent time on loan at Twente and Brugge, who made the transfer permanent in the summer
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Lang came through at Ajax and left permanently in 2021 having spent time on loan at Twente and Brugge, who made the transfer permanent in the summerCredit: Getty

Lang will have the opportunity to impress again when Manchester City travel to Belgium, joint on points with Brugge at the top of Group A, with a number of Premier League sides watching on.

Pep Guardiola has a similarly star studded line-up with Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to pick from.

He joined the Belgian champions initially on loan last season, and his impact was huge, registering 16 goals and seven assists in 29 league games, whilst scoring his first Champions League goal against Zenit.

Who wants him?

Italian outlet reports that Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are in pole position to land the Dutch international, and hope to beat AC Milan and Arsenal to his signature.

He didn't look out of place in the Champions League when he played PSG and will now hope to impress again against Pep Guardiola's Man CIty
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He didn't look out of place in the Champions League when he played PSG and will now hope to impress again against Pep Guardiola's Man CItyCredit: Getty

His manager, Philippe Clement, has even refused to rule out a January transfer, with speculation only increasing.

“I am realistic when it comes to these things,” Clement said. “If an impossible to refuse offer comes in for him, we won’t be able to stop him in January. 

“I’d rather he finishes the season, takes a title and is important, but we’ll see what happens in January.”

With Lang now starring for the Netherlands, his club coach knows he won't be around for long
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With Lang now starring for the Netherlands, his club coach knows he won't be around for longCredit: AFP
Liverpool are one of Lang's many admirers
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Liverpool are one of Lang's many admirersCredit: Getty

Where would he play at Liverpool?

Klopp’s go-to front three of Mohamed Salah, 29, Roberto Firmino, 30 and Sadio Mane, 29, all have contracts expiring in 2023 and the manager knows they can't go on forever as much as he'd like them to.

Lang could be a perfect option to play across the front three, with the skilful winger able to attack the opposition net from any angle.

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