EURO 2024: As Germany defeat Scotland in first match, 10 young players set to light up the tournament
By Quadri Adejumo
The 2024 European Championship began yesterday in a thrilling fashion, as the host, Germany played out a 5-1 win over Scotland.
Amid the captivating storylines, young players gets the chance to write their own stories, this is as the Euros presents a golden opportunity for the new generation of players to make their mark. It’s a chance for them to display their talents on a world-renowned stage with millions of eyes watching every flick and every trick.
Top 10 Young Players to Watch at Euro 2024
Here are ten young players expected to make a significant impact during the tournament:
- Florian Wirtz – Germany
Who else but Wirtz? The 21-year-old scored the first goal in this year’s Euros, as he opened the scoring for Germany in their win over Scotland. He comes off a successful season where he won Bayer Leverkusen the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old was one of just two players in the Bundesliga to have 10+ goals and 10+ assists this season.
- Jamal Musiala – Germany
Likened to Kaka with his progressive plays, Musiala has shown his qualities time and time. The Bayern Munich midfielder is the face of German football. His vision, close control, dribbles places him over others.
For young stars in the Germany squad it’s a toss up between Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. Musiala scored in the win against Scotland, and securing the man of the match award. He and Wirtz brings dynamism and a high attacking work rate to complement a conservative, control-based midfield.
- Jude Bellingham – England
Jude Bellingham will be the one to watch in this tournament. The 20-year-old had a wonderful first season at Real Madrid, winning the La Liga and the Champions League. He was integral to Real’s play, stepping up when needed. Bellingham ended the league campaign with 19 goals, alongside six assists. Only three players were directly involved in more La Liga goals than him.
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Like Musiala, both players will be watched closely, in a tournament they could have been teammates. Bellingham and Musiala played together for England youth team before Musiala chose to represent Germany at senior level.
- Phil Foden – England
Foden made an impact all season for Manchester City. His goals and performances were crucial in securing the 4th straight league titles for City, a testament to his PFA player of the year award. He scored an impressive 19 goals and recorded eight assists for Manchester City. The 23-year-old would be one of the key players for Gareth Southgate’s England at the Euros.
- Warren Zaire-Emery – France
At 18, Warren Zaire-Emery has made a spot in PSG’s midfield his own. He’s an all-around midfielder with a robust defensive work rate, sharp passing, and good finishing. The 18-year-old played 43 games in all competitions, and played in all but one of PSG’s games in the competition this season. He is also the youngest French player to score in Champions League history.
- Kobbie Mainoo – England
At 18, Manchester United’s Mainoo quickly established himself as United’s most influential midfielder, scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against rivals Man City, winning the FA Cup’s best player and bossing the midfield in numerous games he featured. Mainoo’s sensational form earned him a call-up to England’s Euro 2024 squad. Possessing elegance, work-rate, and quality, Mainoo is the perfect face of England’s new school midfield.
- Lamine Yamal – Spain
All eyes will be on Spain’s Lamine Yamal at the Euros. The 16-year-old has already broken a host of records for club and country, including being the youngest player to represent and score for Spain. When it comes to young players in world football, there are not many, if any, better than the 16-year-old. Yamal has too much flair and elegance for a 16-year-old.
- Xavi Simons – Netherlands
Possessing elite footballing IQ and attacking prowess, Xavi Simons is due for a breakout tournament, and this Euros could be the one he needs the most. Xavi has been the subject of hype ever since his youth days in Barcelona. However, the former La Masia captain has never quite met these expectations for club and country. Now at 21, he has found his feet, thriving for PSV and now RB Leipzig after moving on from PSG. Xavi has started 10 of his 13 appearances for the Oranje.
- Arda Guler – Turkey
Arda Guler did not feature prominently in his first season for Real Madrid, due to injury, but his talent can’t be overlooked. The Turkish teenager scored six goals in his final seven league games for Real Madrid, only starting four of those matches. Guler will be leading Turkey’s midfield at the Euros, demonstrating why Florentino Perez splashed money on signing him. The former Fenerbahce wonderkid will be one of Turkey’s most important players at the tournament.
- Joao Neves – Portugal
With links to major clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool, 19-year-old Joao Neves is one to watch out for. He played 55 times across all competitions for Benfica this season, not missing a minute in the Champions League or Europa League, and playing in all-but one of their league matches. Neves will be crucial in helping safeguard the Portuguese midfield at the Euros.
The Euro 2024 has started on a high and it promises to be a thrilling tournament. There’s so much to look forward to at the tournament, as there will be a lot of stars on show. Asides the big players, these younger stars will be leading their respective countries to stardom.
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