The Euro’s is upon us, all the best nations across Europe come together to compete for one trophy. Fans get to witness some of the best talents across Europe make a name for themselves. In the past we have seen so many stars such as Ronaldo, Owen and Rooney shine at a young age in the Euros. So, today we are looking into what players could leave this tournament with a shining light gleaming on them.
Phill Foden
This will be a name most football fans know off across Europe as he has just won the PFA player of the year. However, he is still mentioned as one to look out for as he is 23 years old and has never found full form in an England shirt. This really is the year to carry club form into international. England are blessed with so much talent throughout the squad, Foden is the pick of the bunch; many believe he is the key to success. Foden, known for his incredible dribbling and skills that will create fear for any nation.
Warren Zaïre-Emery
The young Frenchman has been a revelation for PSG since his rise through the academy. PSG decided to go with a new approach and trust the youth rather than singing ‘big name players’. This has helped players such as Emery, he is now tipped as one of the best youngsters in Europe. He has so much competition in a star flooded French team but he will hope his flair and talent will give him a good chance of being an important member of the team.
Illia Zabarnyi
The Bournemouth defender has been one of the best young defenders in Europe this year. Making 37 appearances at the age of 21 in the most competitive league in the world is truly a remarkable achievement in itself. His brilliant ball playing skills and exceptional defensive ability makes him a player to watch for Ukraine this summer. Ukraine will hope that the young man will take the responsibility on his shoulders to lead them to a very successful Euro’s campaign. There is no doubt, if he has a successful campaign the top clubs across Europe will be offering huge money to lure him away from Europe.
Guler
The young Turkish striker is a player that is destined to be a superstar. Real Madrid have completed the signing of Turkish sensation Arda Guler from Fenerbahce, he signed a six-year deal with the club. Real Madrid reportedly paid €20 million for this transfer. Since this move his agility, balance and incredible ball control has been showcased with the biggest club in the world. He now has the chance to show this on an international level, Guler will have a lot of eyes on him but the pressure does not seem to faze the little magician. He has been called the Turkish Messi on numerous occasions, it’s the ultimate compliment and he will hope to live up to this name in summer.
Xavi Simons
Simons has been the talking point of every transfer window since he moved from PSG to PSV a few seasons ago. Since then he has been touted as a young star in Europe. He switched from PSV back to PSG who then loaned him back out to RB Leipzig. This was an indicator to see what level he was at, playing in a harder league and competing in the Champions League.
Well he did not disappoint, he was once again the star man and many defenders could not deal with his quick feet, eye for a pass and instinct for goals. Netherlands have a real talent on their hands, they will hope that they can build their team around the rising star. The Netherlands have had disappointing campaigns in previous years. However, with the likes of VVD leading the defence and Xavi SImons up top creating the magic, they will hope for a better campaign this time round.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal has broken records throughout this season with Barcelona. Being the youngest player ever to play for Barcelona. At the age of 15 years, 9 months and 16 days old he shattered the record previously held by another La Masia graduate Ansu Fati. He also broke the record being the youngest player ever to appear in a Champions League quarter-final at the age of 16 years and 272 days.
These are just two examples of many records he has set since his first appearance. Since his debut he has been one of the first names on the team sheet. Former Barcelona manager Xavi put a lot of trust into the youngster and it has paid off. Yamal had standout performances in the Champions League and in the domestic competitions.
Making 50 appearances scoring 7 goals and assisting 10, he has already made his stamp as one of the best youngsters in Europe. He will be playing in a Spain squad who play a very similar style to Barcelona which will only benefit the young winger. He is definitely a player that Spain will be looking to build their future team around.
Florian Wirtz
If you haven’t heard the name Wirtz in the previous months then you may just be missing out on one of the best talents we have seen in previous years. Being a pivotal figure in Bayer Leverkusen's first title win all the while winning many individual awards.
Wirtz had a huge struggle with some career ending injuries at a very early age. This was his first full season back and oh how he has delivered! With his dazzling runs, unbelievable strikes at goal and incredible assists.
There is no doubt he will be in contention for a Ballon Dor if Germany succeed this summer. Germany the hosts all expect big things from the young playmaker, if he can bring his club form into the international stage then we are all in for a treat.
Let's hope for an amazing Euro’s tournament in Germany. There is doubt that all these players mentioned have an excellent chance to drive their nation forward. There will no doubt be more players not mentioned in this list that will shine on the international stage. These are just a select few young stars who Football Flick believe could light up in the Euro’s.
