An Arsenal winger is included in our list, as is a former Chelsea starlet, and two men linked with moves to Manchester United.
In honour of Euro 2012 kicking off today – We are republishing our list of 10 to watch to get you in the mood. Check back later today for our pundits predictions….
Are you excited for Euro 2012? If you are not yet, you should be. The European Championships are often described as more competitive than the World Cup, and have produced some underrated and memorable classic matches.
As always there will be a raft of young stars hoping to make their names, and solidify their growing reputations as top stars. Here are 10 who will be hoping to make an exciting impression for their countries this summer.
1) Nelson Oliveira – Portugal – Benfica
Portugal have been crying out for a top class natural goalscorer for years, and the nation is hoping that Nelson Oliveira can be that man. Only 20, he made his international debut in February as a substitute against Poland, and has been included in the country’s final 23. Despite scoring just three goals for Benfica this season, he is just breaking through, and scored one of those in a Champions League match against Zenit St Petersburg. He is likely to start on the bench, but could be a big surprise as the country’s wildcard striker. His rivals for a spot are Hugo Almeida and former Tottenham striker Helder Postiga.
2) Christian Eriksen – Denmark – Ajax
Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen is a young man with a big reputation, and he will be hoping to show it this summer. The 20-year-old finds himself with a big challenge, with Denmark in the toughest of groups, with Holland, Portugal and Germany the opponents. In 1992 they were underdogs too, and ended up winning the tournament. That may be too much of an ask, but Eriksen will look to emulate Michael Laudrup, a man he has been compared to.
3) Ivan Perisic – Croatia – Borussia Dortmund
Croatia’s first game is against the Republic of Ireland, and it will be crucial, with Spain and Italy both in the group. They will look to one of their most creative players, left-winger Ivan Perisic for inspiration. He plays for German champions Dortmund and has scored seven goals this season, including a stunning volley in the Champions League group stages against Arsenal. Only 23, he will look to add to a burgeoning reputation with performances this summer.
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4) Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – England – Arsenal
We all know all about ‘The Ox’ – and he deserves to sit in the company of Europe’s hottest prospects. He showed that with a stellar display against AC Milan, and Arsenal fans wish they would see him feature more regularly. England boss Roy Hodgson made the right decision to pick him, but will he be brave enough to select him in the starting line-up? Still only 18, his record this season shows four goals in 11 starts and 11 substitute appearances.
5) Fabio Borini – Italy – Roma
Former Chelsea youngster Fabio Borini will hope for a chance for an underrated Italy side this summer. The Roma forward has made the initial 32-man squad, and will hope to be selected when coach Cesare Prandelli picks his final 23. He made his international debut against America earlier this year, and has 10 league goals to his name this year. Only 21, he will be a man to watch in the future if chances do not come his way this summer.
6) Mario Gotze – Germany – Borussia Dortmund
Mario Gotze is a midfielder whose reputation already marks him out as one of the world’s top talents. What he has not had a chance to do yet, is show it on the international stage. He will be 20 when the tournament kicks off, and he will hope for the chance to do so this summer. In front of him in the competition for places are Bastain Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, and if Germany do not have the desired start, calls for Gotze’s inclusion will become hard to resist.
7) Rafal Wolski – Poland – Legia Warsaw
Little known Wolski is being tipped as Poland’s secret weapon. Only 19, the right-winger has four goals in eight games since March for his club. He will be hoping to make a name for himself and do the host nation proud, and provide service to Robert Lewandsowski, another man who hopes to be a big star at the tournament. Wolski has been linked with a move to the Bundesliga, and Euro 2012 could help that become a reality.
8) Theodor Gabri-Selassie – Czech Republic – Slovan Liberec
Gabri-Selassie will become a recognisable face at Euro 2012, as the Czech Republic’s first ever black player. The right-back is half Ethiopian and has made eight international appearances since making his debut in 2011, and likes to attack. At 25, the defender is a regular pick for his club, playing 30 times this season, scoring five times and providing six assists.
9) Iker Muniain – Spain – Athletic Bilbao
It will not be easy for any young player to force their way into Spain’s World Cup winning side, but if any one can then surely it is Iker Muniain. David Villa’s absence from the tournament throws open Spain’s attacking selection, and Muniain will be looking to make an impression in pre-tournament friendlies. He terrorised Manchester United this season when Athletic Bilbao defeated them in the Europa League, and is still only 19.
10) Alan Dzagoev – Russia – CSKA Moscow
21-year-old playmaker Alan Dzagoev is a rising star in his country, and was his nation’s top scorer in qualifying. He is highly rated and valued in the region of £20 million by his club. As an attacking midfielder he can play on either wing or behind the striker, and has scored goals against Inter Milan and Manchester United. He became Russia’s youngest ever outfield player when he made his debut, and he will be relied upon for creativity, as well as the unpredictable Andrei Arshavin.
Which young players are you looking forward to seeing play at Euro 2012?
image: © martini_dk
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