With the rescheduled European Championships set to get underway this Friday with Turkey taking on 1968 winners Italy at the Stadio Olimpico, we take a look at five players who could catch the eye at this summer’s competition.
Five Players Who Could Catch the Eye at Euro 2021
Ones to Watch
Jeremy Doku
At 19 years of age, Jeremy Doku has quickly sprung into high regards in a Belgium squad of high quality. His blistering pace along with his silky dribbling could prove to work devastatingly if combined with the glorious vision of Kevin De Bruyne.
Despite the numbers (three goals and two assists) in his first season with Rennes not glorifying his hype; Roberto Martinez has chosen the youngster in a star-studded squad which speaks volumes of his undoubted potential.
Ryan Gravenberch
Another 19-year old who set to bless the biggest stage and has burst onto the scene under the radar. Ryan Gravenberch at such a young age has quickly developed into the complete package in the middle of the park. His ability to attack and defend is the perfect nucleus for a Netherlands side full of rejuvenation having failed to compete in Euro 2016.
A mix of Yaya Toure and Paul Pogba, the Ajax midfielder is definitely one to watch and comes off the back of five goals and six assists in all competitions. If given the opportunity to start in Frank De Boer’s side, the graceful midfielder is set to show why the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool are said to be interested in his signature.
Federico Chiesa
In a surprise move from Fiorentina to Juventus at the start of the season, Federico Chiesa has quickly adapted to the demands of playing for a top club.
Set to be given an important role on the wing in Roberto Mancini’s side, the left-footed winger heads into the competition in sensational form. Despite Juventus underperforming this season, the 23-year-old Italian still left his mark scoring 15 times and registering 11 assists; joining a select few like Bruno Fernandes in achieving double figures in both departments.
Phil Foden
Those akin to the English Premier League know all about Phil Foden and what he brings to the table. Dubbed the modern-day Paul Gascoigne and now with the hair to match, the young England star heads into his first big tournament on the back of a stellar season.
Having filled the void left by David Silva in Manchester City‘s midfield, Foden has transformed into one of the deadliest attacking midfielders under Pep Guardiola.
With three Premier League titles under his belt already and a taste of a Champions League Final, his rise to superstardom is set to continue.
A magician on the ball and a knack of being able to unlock defences at will could finally help England perform on the big stage.
The 21-year-old’s uncanny ability to glide past players could aid Gareth Southgate with the young playmaker able to play in midfield or on the wing. His last gasp winner against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Semi-Final is just another arrow in his ever-growing bow of turning up in big games.
Pedro Goncalves
Defending Champions Portugal boast one of the most exciting squads at this year’s European Championships. But despite the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes in the squad, there is another Portuguese on the verge of taking the competition by storm.
A replacement for the aforementioned Fernandes at Sporting Lisbon, Pedro Goncalves has exceeded all expectations and single-handedly driven Sporting to their first league title since 2002.
The 22-year-old finished with 23 goals this season and lead to his first international call-up and will be hoping to convince coach Fernando Santos into the starting eleven.
With Ronaldo now into his limelight years at 36, the likes of Goncalves, Joao Felix and Nuno Mendes could lead Portugal into a new direction and will be hoping to give Ronaldo the send-off he deserves.
This summer’s European Championships are surely going to be full of fireworks but let us know in the comments who you think could be added to this list as one to watch and could be one to keep an eye on.
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