From Simons to Yildiz: 10 young stars ready to shine at Euro 2024
Euro 2024 kicks off in three months’ time with Germany taking on Scotland in Munich and throughout the tournament there will be an array of talent on show with many of them at the start of their careers.
Here's 10 players in four different categories to follow in the lead-up to the tournament.
SUPERSTARS
Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid, midfielder, 20): They were ridiculed at the time but Birmingham’s decision to retire Bellingham’s shirt looks perfectly logical in hindsight.
What feels illogical is that the England midfielder is still only 20. How is it possible that he has had three good seasons at Borussia Dortmund already, and has now become an instant hero at Real Madrid?
The winning mentality and leadership qualities Bellingham has shown in Spain make him a superstar and he has scored over 20 goals in all competitions.
Will his influence be even greater than that of Harry Kane this summer?
MAJOR PLAYERS
Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen, attacking midfielder, 20): The 20-year-old makes football look very simple indeed. He reads the game better than most and possesses the technical qualities to execute difficult passes – and to do so effortlessly.
Wirtz is the brightest star in the Bundesliga and learning from Xabi Alonso helps him improve. He has the most assists of any player in Europe’s top leagues at the time of writing: 15 in all competitions.
Now it’s up to Julian Nagelsmann to build the national team around him. Germany play France Saturday night and the Netherlands next week but don't bet against the summer hosts when he is running the show.
Xavi Simons (Netherlands, RB Leipzig, attacking midfielder, 20): He grew up at La Masia, and his name is Xavi, but this one was born in Amsterdam.
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