The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsThe latest edition of the European Championship (beginning later this week) will feature some of the sport’s most exciting young talents, who are all set to star on the biggest stage of them all.
From France’s prized possession Paul Pogba to Spain’s latest sensation Hector Bellerin, we take a look at the best players aged 23 or less, who will play at this year’s Euro Championship and are destined to have a huge say for their respective nations.
10. Victor Lindelof (CB, 21) – Sweden
Victor Lindelof is only 21 and already a first team regular for Primeira Liga Champions Benfica. A strong, solid player who has made 15 appearances in the top division, he has been linked with Premier League clubs like Middlesbrough and Manchester United. Lindelof seems to be having a big and successful career ahead of him for both club and country.
9. Kingsley Coman (RW, 19) – France
He went on loan to German giants Bayern Munich from Juventus and the rest, as they say, is history. Playing in the same position as veteran right-midfielder Arjen Robben, he made 23 appearances and scored 4 goals in the Bundesliga, as well as creating 35 chances for Pep Guardiola’s side. Certainly, though surprisingly for someone of his age, Coman’s impact will be crucial for the home side if they are to win the Euro 2016.
8. Dele Alli (CM, 20) – England
Dele Alli had a great season for MK Dons in League 1 last season and was promoted to Tottenham Hotspur’s first team this season. He impressed everyone and even won the highly acclaimed PFA Young Player of the Year Award. His great season wherein he played 33 games, also scoring 10 goals in the Premier league, got him England call-up this season and it’s safe to say he nailed down his spot. A whole nation is now looking up to him.
7. Leroy Sane (RW, 20) – England
Leroy Sane is starting to look like the real deal. The German scored 9 goals while also setting up seven for his side F.C. Schalke, further highlighting his credentials as a complete player. While it’s not clear if Joachim Low would be willing to make him a regular starter yet, Sane’s potential means he could still have a role to play.
6. Hector Bellerin (RB, 21) – Spain
Hector Bellerin is a speedy right-back whose ability to get up and down the pitch quickly means that he can play as a right-wing-back too, which fits into Spain’s set up very well. He will be a key player in the link up between defence and midfield as well as providing a lightning quick run down the wings in order to provide Spain’s forwards with vital chances. It’ll be interesting to see if Vicente Del Bosque picks him over Juanfran.
5. David Alaba (LB/CB/CM, 23) – Austria
Few players are as versatile as Austria’s David Alaba who can play as a left-back, a centre-back or a holding midfielder. He played the majority of Bundesliga for the German champions this season as well as most of the Champions League matches, even scoring a few in the process. Alaba, who is learning his trade with one of Europe’s elite, will no doubt be integral to whatever success Austria achieve in the upcoming tournament.
4. Granit Xhaka (CM, 23) – Switzerland
Granit Xhaka has recently moved from Borussia Monchengladbach to Arsenal for about £30 million and will feature for Switzerland during the Euros this year. A midfield giant who often does his business from a deeper role, the Swiss international’s ability to start an attack or end one is in no doubt. For anyone who comes up against Switzerland, minimising the Xhaka influence is a must, which just about shows how good he is.
3. Alvaro Morata (ST, 23) – Spain
Despite the 23-year old’s lack of playing time, Alvaro Morata’s contributions to Juventus on the big occasion are priceless. A Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Morata’s chances in the Serie A have been limited, yet he hasn’t failed to remind of his ability every time he has come on to the pitch. Will he be a regular starter for Spain depends largely on whether or not does Del Bosque decide to go with a false no.9.
2. Harry Kane (ST, 23) – England
Harry Kane has been one of the Premier League’s best players for two consecutive seasons, which in itself is a reflection of his excellence. Kane, who has already found the net five times for England is being widely dubbed as the Three Lions’ most important player and it’s hard to argue otherwise. If the “Harry Kane Hurricane” is on song, fans could be in for a treat.
1. Paul Pogba (CAM, 23) – France
Ever since his departure from Manchester United, Paul Pogba’s success for someone of his age has been incommensurable. An attacking midfielder right out of the top drawer, Pogba has been a superstar at Juventus and understandably the subject of reported bids from clubs as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City. If there’s one player you don’t want to miss out on watching this summer, it is this man.
