Euro 2024 is well underway and whilst established stars are undoubtedly shining, several emerging players are also making an impact. Here, INMR spotlights seven players to watch, whose underrated ability could define the tournament’s narrative.
Vitinha (Portugal/PSG)
Vitinha is in a Portugal squad surrounded with talent and may go unnoticed because of this but he will have a huge impact on his nations success. The 24 year old midfielder created more chances than 91% of his peers in Ligue 1 this season and could provide Cristiano Ronaldo with an abundance of goals if on form.
Josip Stanisic (Croatia/Bayern Munich)
Stanisic has just enjoyed a phenomenal loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where he helped them make history with an unbeaten domestic double. The Croatian is a defensive all-rounder, whose flourished under Xabi Alonso, he can play either as a centre half or full back. He’s the perfect modern centre back who is not only strong, but technically able too.
Embed from Getty ImagesGianlucca Scamacca (Italy/Atalanta)
Scamacca will surprise plenty of Premier League fans this summer due to his drastic improvement since departing West Ham. In 17 Serie A starts, the Italian has scored 12 goals. His Europa League record is just as impressive, he’s scored six in 11. Scamacca is now a dangerous presence in front of goal and a totally different player to the one that lined up for the Hammers in 2022/23.
Embed from Getty ImagesPhil Foden (England/Manchester City)
Foden won the Premier League player of the season award and for good reason too; he carried Man City to the Premier League title when players such as Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne couldn’t. Everybody knows what Foden is capable of, so enjoy him light up the international stage for the Three Lions this summer.
Embed from Getty ImagesAndriy Lunin (Ukraine/Real Madrid)
Lunin stepped up this season when Real Madrid needed him most and proved to be up there with some of the best goalkeepers in the world. With him between the sticks, Ukraine could cause an upset against a big side. If his side can take a game to penalties, he will most likely become a national hero.
Embed from Getty ImagesArtem Dovbyk (Ukraine/Girona)
On the opposite end of the pitch, Ukraine have another excellent player: Dovbyk. The striker has scored 24 goals this season and is wanted by various European clubs such as Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan. Dovbyk isn’t just a prolific goalscorer, he’s also a good dribbler too. The Girona forward ranked in the top 5% for successful dribbles in La Liga this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesOrkun Kokcu (Turkey/Benfica)
After losing Enzo Fernandez, Benfica brought in Feyenoord midfielder Kokcu who has proved to be a superb signing. In his first season at Benfica he notched up seven goals and eight assists in the league whilst also creating 52 chances. He is now wanted by many Premier Legaue clubs and his stock is expected to rise even further during the Euros.
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Written by Isabelle Newnham
INMR FOOTBALL 
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