Euro 2024 kicks off this Friday in Germany and there’s plenty to look forward to over the next four weeks, including watching some top young prospects shock the world.
Think back to the last three international tournaments and the wonderkids who announced themselves on the big stage. World Cup 2018: Kylian Mbappe. Euro 2020: Pedri. World Cup 2022: Enzo Fernandez.
There’s a handful more from each tournament, including Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, Josko Gvardiol, Bukayo Saka and Vinicius Junior. All players who have already been successful in their career and have progressed to top clubs all over Europe.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis summer it’ll be no different, so here’s 10 young wonderkids to keep an eye out for in Germany.
Florian Wirtz (21) – Germany
Wirtz is one of the top talents this season after his spectucular season at Bayer Leverkusen. His side completed an unbeaten domestic double and reached the Europa League final. Wirtz recorded 18 goals and 19 assists in all compeitions, earning him a spot in the Germany squad where he’ll be expected to start in behind striker Kai Havertz. He’s a very intelligent midfielder who creates plenty of chances for his teammates.
Embed from Getty ImagesJoao Neves (19) – Portugal
A technically apt teenager currently flourishing at Benfica. Neves likes to receive the ball under pressure as he’s able to wriggle past his marker with ease before exploiting the space. He usually plays as part of a double pivot with Orkun Kokcu and is equally able at both ends of the pitch. Neves made his senior debut earlier this year but impressed very quickly in order to secure his spot on the plane.
Embed from Getty ImagesCole Palmer (22) – England
Many fans will know what an incredible season Cole Palmer has had at Chelsea this season despite all the question marks surrounding him after leaving Manchester City for £40m. Palmer managed 22 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League alone, playing in various positions in attack. He’s been one of the league’s best players and his talent will surely be replicated on the international stage.
Embed from Getty ImagesLuka Sucic (21) – Croatia
The Salzburg midfidler has only made eight starts this season but is showing good potential for his age. Sucic is very versatile and can play anywhere in midfield and on the right wing. He’s creative, calm under pressure and reads the game well, which is why he managed to earn his senior debut all the way back in October 2021.
Embed from Getty ImagesLamine Yamal (16) – Spain
The youngest player here and by some margin too! Yamal’s 17th birthday isn’t until 13 July (one day before the final) but he’s already made seven senior appearances for his country, scoring two goals. Yamal is a La Masia graduate who’s preferred position is on the right flank, where he can cut in and shoot on his left. The teenager has many attributes that highlight the maturity of his game. Click here to find out what they are!
Embed from Getty ImagesBenjamin Sesko (21) – Slovenia
This young striker has been frequently compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic and is wanted by both Manchester United and Arsenal. This summer he will prove why with Slovenia; so for in 17 starts for RB Leipzig, Sesko has 14 goals and two assists. Sesko has the perfect blend of attributes for a striker, he’s fast, a good dribbler, very tall and will throw himself at anything to get a goal. It’s so difficult as a goalkeeper to read Sesko as he is able to perform all kinds of finishes with both feet.
Embed from Getty ImagesJude Bellingham (20) – England
This is perhaps the most obvious player on the list but his age means that he’s still a wonderkid. These are the top 10 talents under 22 years old and even though he plays like a seasoned 30 year old midfielder, he still is only 20. You already know what to expect from Bellingham, but it would be silly not to keep an eye out for him this tournament as he is undeniably one of the best players in the world.
Embed from Getty ImagesXavi Simons (21) – Netherlands
Simons has had a brilliant loan spell at RB Leipzig this season and is due a big move away from PSG after the Euros. He’s very slight but that enables him to break away from players with pace and be direct in possession. The Dutchman is deceptively strong too, he shields the ball well and uses flair in the right moments to beat his man.
Embed from Getty ImagesJohan Bakayoko (21) – Belgium
A proper winger linked with various clubs in the top five leagues, particularly Liverpool as Arne Slot prepares the Reds for their new era. Bakayoko has 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for PSV this season. He’s dynamic, pacey, skilful and has an eye for goal. He was mentored by Ruud van Nistelrooy who gave him his senior debut in 2022, which is why his finishing is so dangerous now.
Embed from Getty ImagesArda Guler (19) – Turkey
A left footed attacking midfielder currently breaking through at Real Madrid, Guler has shown glimpses of his talent this season for Los Blancos. He’s played 10 games for Madrid but only start four of them, in this time he’s scored six goals. There’s no doubt Guler is a special talent but he still needs to adapt, it will be interesting to see how he gets on in a Turkey side where he will have a more instrumental role.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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