Major international tournaments are often the smartest place to play your best football like a wonderkid.
Many youngsters have emerged from the shadows of the World Cup and European Championship in recent years, making themselves household names and often placing themselves front and center in the shop window.
Euro 2024 is set to fulfill that purpose for many of the continent’s most promising stars, many of whom are making their international debuts.
Although some of the most prominent have gone on to become professionals in the big clubs, they have cemented their reputation in Germany.
Those who keep a close eye on Serie A will know all about Riccardo Calafiori. A key member of the Bologna side that defied expectations and qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the reform of the competition, the centre-back partnered with Alessandro Bastoni during the three group stage games in Italy.
The Azzurri have been far from flawless despite securing a safe passage to the last 16 but Calafiori has been outstanding at the heart of the defence. Ignoring his single worst goal against Spain, the 22-year-old didn’t put a foot wrong.
Able to play as a left-back as well, Calafiori has been solid at the back, while showing his ability to drive through midfield with the ball at his feet. His prolific runs and excellent passing saw Italy score the equalizer in the 98th minute against Croatia in their final group game.
Having been linked with the likes of Liverpool and, most prominently, Juventus, Calafiori has made his chances of a move to one of Europe’s elites less damaging.
Calafiori’s Italy did not play against Spain in Group B, while La Roja kept a clean record in their first three matches. They may still be coming into this summer’s competition, but it’s their forward line that is attracting many attentions.
In particular, Athletic Club star Nico Williams stood out. He was expected to be linked with a move to the continent’s biggest clubs ahead of Euro 2024 and his electric displays will have fueled pursuit of the 21-year-old.
Williams may not have been able to contribute goals in the tournament, but those who watched Spain’s opening two games will have seen his big threat. The leading ship disrupted the defenses of Croatia and Italy, poor Giovanni Di Lorenzo suffering the most from Williams’ cleverness.
It is motivated by that desire to hit a man and then hit him again. few defenders will be able to beat the young champion. Barcelona, you watch.
Undoubtedly, Austria have been the most exciting team to watch at Euro 2024. With no obvious world-beaters among their ranks, they relied on the teamwork, connection and genius of Ralf Rangnick to make it to the Last 16 – something they did by finishing first. more than France and the Netherlands.
The key to their success has been their midfield and the key to their midfield has been Nicolas Seiwald. The 23-year-old may not be as visible as Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer in the center of the park, but he has been vital to the intensity with which Austria play.
The hard-working midfielder has been solid in controlling Rangnick’s men and tireless in winning the ball back, but has also been a great creator in the box-to-box role for the dark horses of Euro 2024.
England were under-entered at Euro 2024, with the Three Lions conceding just two goals against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia. Although they only won their opening game of the tournament, they managed to top the group and that was due to their strong defense.
Leading England’s line-up at the back was the inexperienced Marc Guehi, with the Crystal Palace defender replacing the absent Harry Maguire. Despite joining the Three Lions in his first major tournament, he has been a bright spark in a lackluster England team.
With two clean sheets to his name already, Guehi has been a colossus at the back alongside John Stones. Most impressively, the 23-year-old has shown incredible composure on and off the ball, while his reading of the game and dribbling ability have been invaluable.
No Maguire, no problem.
Dubbed the ‘Messi of Turkey’, Arda Guler is no stranger to the limelight. After breaking into Fenerbahce’s first team as a teenager, the attacking midfielder quickly earned himself a high profile transfer to Real Madrid last summer.
An injury-plagued first campaign in Madrid made his recovery difficult, but a clean bill of health at the end of the season helped Guler to put in more games. His form is amazing, he took a lot of confidence from the Euros and Turkey.
Already tipped to change the nation’s game in the final third, Guler proved just that in Turkey’s crucial opening game win against Georgia. With the game tied, the midfielder fired a stunning effort past Giorgi Mamadashvili to inspire Turkey to a 3-1 win. The 19-year-old girl is a truly special talent.
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