Youngsters always need a chance to impress and show their skills to the fans, their teammates, and the coaching staff. The Euros provide the biggest stage for the youngsters to show their potential and their class to the whole world. If they are given the opportunity, they will look to influence the game for the […]
Youngsters always need a chance to impress and show their skills to the fans, their teammates, and the coaching staff. The Euros provide the biggest stage for the youngsters to show their potential and their class to the whole world. If they are given the opportunity, they will look to influence the game for the better. We look at the top three young prospects from the top seven nations playing at the Euros.
Also Read: EURO 2020: 7 Teams To Keep An Eye On This Year
1) France
Starting with the current world champions, France has bucket loads of talent within the squad and is one of the favorites to win the Euros title after failing at the last hurdle in the previous edition. The top three youngsters to look out for in the French team are Kylian Mbappe, Mike Maignan, and Jules Kounde. Mbappe is a no-brainer in this list and is one of the top-tier talents across the world. Jules Kounde had a stellar season for Sevilla and was a rock at the back for his team, so he is undoubtedly a one to look out for, along with youngster Mike Maignan, who was a crucial cog in the Lille side who dethroned PSG and won their first league title in ten years. Maignan and Kounde are termed the future defence for the French powerhouse and would be looking to make a statement this year’s Euros.
2) Germany
Germany, the 2014 world champions and the current under 21 Euro champions are also a team with many youngsters. Notably, the audience’s eyes will be on players like Robin Koch, Kai Havertz, and Jamal Musiala. Some people might not consider Kai Havertz as a youngster, but he is still only 22, and although he has achieved a lot of success at the club level, he still has to prove himself on the world stage. The rise of Jamal Musiala is nothing short of remarkable. He is still 18 and has become almost a starter in the star-studded Bayern team, which speaks a lot about him. Coming to one of the most underrated players on this team, Robin Koch is one of the most passionate players and gives his everything for his team whenever he plays. Kai Havertz would be a definite starter on this team, and the other two might find playing time as substitutes or in fewer big games.
3) Spain
Spain, in recent times, has become like a fallen giant since its massive exit from the world cup in 2014. They had a poor showing in the 2016 Euros as well as the 2018 World Cup as well. They do have youngsters in their team that they can rely upon. The likes of Pedri, Unai Simon, and Ferran Torres would be on the lookout to make their country proud. Unai Simon has been an excellent goalkeeper for his club and is giving a formidable challenge to veteran David De Gea, who has been faulty in recent times. Pedri has been one of the brightest finds not only for Barcelona but for his country as well. He has impressed both at the club and country level, making his position in the squad eminent. With his tricks and skill, he can light up the matches for his country. Ferran Torres has proved his worth to Spain and his club, Manchester City, time and time again. He has made the team’s right-wing his own and would be looking to dominate the matches this time around.
4) Italy
Just like Spain, Italy is also a fallen giant that is looking to recover from previous disappointments. Italy couldn’t qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which is a big disappointment for the team and the country. They do have some prospects that they can depend upon for this tournament and for many years to come. Gianluigi Donnarumma is still considered a youngster, having represented Italy on numerous occasions. He is considered to be the future captain of the Italians. Along with him, they have bright sparks such as Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Chiesa, who have been extremely handy for their sides in Serie A. They would be looking forward to making a mark on the tournament and making themselves first-team regulars for their country.
5) Netherlands
Netherlands is one of the sides with more youngsters than any other team, and the youngsters are now experienced. They have Frenkie De Jong, Matthijs De Ligt, and Donyell Malan, who were discovered at a very young age and come up from the Eredivisie. De Ligt and De Jong have proved their pedigree at the world stage and were part of the magical 2018 Ajax side that had a fantastic Champions League run. Malan has just burst onto the fray in the past two seasons and has been one of the top scorers for his side PSV and is known as the next Robin Van Persie. They would surely be in the starting XI, which is a massive sign of growth for the Dutch.
6) Portugal
The Portuguese are having a great time on the world stage, winning two of the last three international tournaments. Since then, many youngsters have come up the ranks and have provided more depth to the squad. Joao Felix, Ruben Dias, and Pedro Gonçalves have impressed at the club level so much that they have given a headache to the head coach about selection. Felix has the skill and trickery just like Goncalves; both have more than a decent season for their respective clubs. On the other hand, Dias has become a key cog to the star-studded Manchester City line-up. He has been scoring goals and helping the team defensively as well. They would be looking to make sure that Portugal can retain their Euros title.
7) England
Every time England plays an international tournament, the only question arises: “Is It Coming Home?” If England fans thought that the 2018 world cup side was the best, they have a lot of thinking to do. England has a lot of quality youngsters on their hands, who have loads of potential. Mason Mount, Phil Foden, and Bukayo Saka are among the best young prospects from the Premier League. Saka has been an influential player for Arsenal and is the spark that they required. He can be used as an impact substitute, and his versatility can come to use for Gareth Southgate. In the case of Foden and Boult, they have been notable for their respective clubs, winning trophies and scoring goals for fun. They are both fighting for the CAM spot in the England side. But a lot rests on the shoulders of these three players, and they would be looking to get the first major international trophy for their country in this century.
These are the twenty-one players that everyone should keep an eye out for. They have many potentials and would be looking to stamp their authority in the biggest tournament of the year.
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