ONE PLAYER TO WATCH FROM EVERY TEAM IN EURO 2024
Albania - Armando Broja
Armando Broja stands as Albania's most high-profile player at the moment. Despite not having the best season last year, where he managed to score only 2 goals and provide 2 assists for both Chelsea and Fulham, to whom he was loaned in January, his potential remains undeniable. Broja's performance might still be impacted by the lingering effects of his ACL injury from a year and a half ago. However, his exceptional pace, strength, and aggression on the field make him a formidable challenge for defenders.
2. Austria – Konrad Laimer
Konrad Laimer started the season somewhat under the radar at Bayern Munich, with doubts surrounding his ability to secure a regular spot in the midfield. However, as the season progressed, he has proven to be an indispensable asset in Thomas Tuchel's setup. Laimer excels in breaking up opposition play and initiating attacks, making him a perfect fit for Bayern's midfield dynamics.
His standout performances against Arsenal and Real Madrid in the Champions League have particularly captured the attention of fans and pundits alike. If Austria want to progress far into this tournament, there is no doubt that Laimer will be the most important piece of the puzzle, anchoring the midfield with his relentless energy and tactical nause.
3. Belgium - Amadou Onana
In a Belgian side that is currently lacking in young talent, Amadou Onana stands out as one of the promising up-and-coming stars. The Everton midfielder has enjoyed another impressive season, drawing significant attention for his performances. His displays have been so compelling that Arsenal is reportedly among the clubs keen on securing his services.
Onana's strength and stride in the midfield have been pivotal for Everton, showcasing his ability to dominate the center of the park. As Belgium looks to rejuvenate its squad, Onana's presence will be essential. His physicality and dynamism will be crucial for the Belgian team, providing both defensive solidity and the drive to push forward. This tournament will be a key stage for Onana to further establish himself as a central figure in the national team.
4. Croatia – Gvardiol
Joško Gvardiol's move to Manchester City from Leipzig last summer came with a hefty price tag, and the season began slowly as he adjusted to the demands of playing in a Pep Guardiola team. However, once he found his rhythm, Gvardiol truly excelled. He ended the season with 5 goals, including a crucial brace in an important away game against Fulham and a stunning long-range strike at the Bernabéu against Real Madrid in the UCL semi-final—all from a left-back position.
Gvardiol's versatility and defensive prowess have made him a standout player, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed. As he heads into his second international tournament, it will be interesting to see how he performs in his preferred central defensive position for Croatia.
5. Czechia - Patrick Schick
It has been a frustrating season for Patrick Schick at Bayer Leverkusen. In a remarkable campaign where his team achieved the unimaginable by going unbeaten in the league and cup to win both trophies, Schick would have certainly hoped to be one of the standout stars. Unfortunately, injuries and a dip in form limited his contributions, reducing his role to that of a bit-part player.
Despite these challenges, Schick still managed to score 13 goals in all competitions, a respectable tally though below the expectations set by his breakout performance at the last Euros. There is hope that this tournament will reinvigorate him and reignite his career, allowing him to once again showcase his talent on the international stage.
6. Denmark - Rasmus Hoijlund
Rasmus Højlund has been a bright spark in an otherwise disappointing season for Manchester United. Little was known about Højlund when he arrived from Atalanta at the start of the season, but his early form in the Champions League quickly gave fans a glimpse of his potential, as he netted 5 goals in 6 games.
As the season progressed, Højlund showed continuous improvement, demonstrating his ability to adapt and grow with each match. Despite limited service from United's wingers, he managed to end the season with an impressive 15 goals across all competitions. His knack for finding the back of the net and his perseverance in challenging circumstances have established him as a key player for both club and country.
As Denmark heads into the tournament, Højlund will undoubtedly be their main goalscoring threat. Fans and teammates alike will look to him to provide the crucial goals needed to advance in the competition, and his current form suggests he is more than capable of rising to the occasion
7. England – Adam Wharton
The past six months have been remarkable for 20-year-old Adam Wharton. Crystal Palace signed him from Blackburn, initially planning to gradually integrate him into their first team. However, Wharton has exceeded all expectations, quickly becoming one of the first names on the team sheet. Since his arrival, he has started 15 out of 16 games, excelling in the central defensive midfield (CDM) position.
Wharton's composure on the ball and tactical awareness have drawn comparisons to former England international Gareth Barry. TV pundits have lauded his performances, highlighting his maturity and understanding of the game at such a young age. Despite initial doubts about his inclusion in the England squad, Gareth Southgate’s decision to bring him to Germany for the tournament underscores the management's confidence in and excitement about this young talent.
Wharton's rapid rise and impressive displays have made him a player to watch, and his presence in the squad is a testament to his hard work and potential. England fans have good reason to be excited about what he can bring to the national team, both now and in the future.
8. France – Bradley Barcola
Amidst the stars at PSG last season, Bradley Barcola began his journey in Paris as an up-and-coming talent. However, thanks to his blistering pace and exceptional dribbling ability, he quickly rose to become one of PSG's main attacking threats. The 22-year-old concluded the season with 4 goals and 7 assists across all competitions, contributing significantly to PSG's league title and earning a starting spot in the Champions League semi-final against Borussia Dortmund.
While Barcola may not be one of the first names on the team sheet for the French national team due to their incredible depth of talent, he is certainly a player Didier Deschamps will look to as an impactful option off the bench. His ability to change the dynamics of a game with his speed and creativity makes him a valuable asset. As he continues to develop, Barcola’s presence will undoubtedly be a key factor for both PSG and the French national team in the near future
9- Georgia - Kvaratskhelia
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has continued to make waves in Serie A with Napoli, despite the team having an underwhelming season. The Georgian winger tallied 11 goals and 8 assists, showcasing his talent and importance to the squad. Although he hasn't quite reached the dazzling heights of his previous season—where he was linked with potential €100 million moves to giants like Real Madrid—Kvaratskhelia remains a significant threat.
As Georgia heads into the Euros, Kvaratskhelia is undoubtedly the player that opposition teams will be most wary of. His creativity, speed, and eye for goal make him a constant danger on the pitch. For Georgia, he is the standout star, and much of their success in the tournament will likely hinge on his performances.
10. Germany - Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz has had a terrific breakthrough season, emerging as a creative force in an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side. His remarkable performances have poised him to replicate his success with the German national team in this tournament.
With an impressive tally of 15 goals and 16 assists for Xabi Alonso's side, Wirtz has established himself as a key figure in Leverkusen's midfield. Now, as he prepares for his first international tournament as a mainstay in the German national team, Wirtz is eager to make his mark.
His vision, technical ability, and knack for finding the back of the net make him a formidable presence on the field. Wirtz will be looking to leverage his skills to propel Germany to success in the tournament and cement his place as one of the brightest talents in international football.
11. Hungary - Dominik Szobozlai
Dominik Szoboszlai embarked on an exciting journey at Liverpool this season, making a high-profile move from Leipzig in the summer for a hefty £60 million fee. Since then, he has become a mainstay in the Liverpool team, featuring in 45 games across all competitions and netting 7 goals.
While Szoboszlai's performances have been consistent, some observers note that he has yet to reach his full potential. There have been instances where he seems to fade in the bigger games. However, his impressive engine, precise passing ability, and expertise in set pieces make him an invaluable asset for Hungary in the upcoming tournament.
As Hungary looks to make an impact on the international stage, Szoboszlai's contributions will be crucial. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and provide moments of brilliance will be vital in Hungary's quest for success. With his talent and room for growth, Szoboszlai has the potential to become a key player not only for Liverpool but also for his national team in the years to come.
12. Italy – Chiesa
Federico Chiesa became a household name in Italy during the last Euros, dazzling fans with his electrifying pace and unwavering determination. However, his career hit a bump due to an ACL injury, causing it to be a bit stop-start. Despite the setback, this season has seen Chiesa gradually regain his form, reminding everyone of his immense talent.
With 10 goals and 3 assists for Juventus, Chiesa played a pivotal role in their third-place finish in the league and their triumph in the Coppa Italia. As he approaches full fitness and sharpness, this Euros presents another opportunity for him to showcase his abilities on the international stage and prove that he is ready to reclaim his status as one of Italy's brightest talents.
13. Netherlands – Xavi Simmons
Xavi Simons, the current PSG player who spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig, is poised to shine as one of the brightest stars in the upcoming Euro this summer. With the unfortunate news of Frenkie De Jong's absence due to injury, the spotlight may now fall on Simons to become the creative force in Ronald Koeman's midfield for the Netherlands.
Simons had a fantastic year in the Bundesliga last season, showcasing his talent and potential on loan at RB Leipzig. With the Euros on the horizon, there will be a plethora of clubs closely monitoring Simons, especially after he informed PSG of his intention to depart this summer.
As a dynamic midfielder with excellent vision and passing ability, Simons has the capability to fill the void left by De Jong and make a significant impact for the Netherlands.
14 Poland – Kiwior
Since his debut for the Polish national team in June 2022, Jakub Kiwior has emerged as an integral figure, showcasing his importance by playing an impressive 2007 out of 2010 possible minutes. His consistency and reliability have solidified his position within the squad, making him a cornerstone of the Polish team.
Kiwior's form at Arsenal this season has seen a remarkable improvement, particularly during his stint as a mainstay in the Arsenal side from January to April. Despite playing as a left-back, he managed to contribute significantly with 1 goal and 3 assists, highlighting his versatility and attacking prowess from the defensive position.
As Poland prepares for the tournament, Kiwior will undoubtedly be a player worth keeping an eye on. His defensive solidity, tireless work ethic, and ability to contribute to the attack make him a key asset for his national team. Fans and opponents alike will be eagerly anticipating his performances as he looks to make his mark on the international stage.
15. Portugal - Joao Neves
As the spotlight shines brightly on Cristiano Ronaldo in what is likely to be his last European competition for Portugal, there's another emerging talent that deserves attention: Joao Neves. The young Benfica star has seamlessly integrated himself into his club's setup and has drawn interest from top clubs like Manchester City and Manchester United, among others.
Neves has quickly become an integral part of Benfica's team, showcasing his calmness on the ball and his ability to recover possession efficiently. These qualities make him a perfect fit for the style of football that Roberto Martinez aims to implement for Portugal in the upcoming Euros.
While Ronaldo's presence will undoubtedly command attention, Neves's performances could be equally vital for Portugal's success in the tournament. Keep an eye on Neves—he could be the breakout star of the tournament.
16. Romania – Ianis Hagi
Ianis Hagi carries the weight of big footsteps to follow from his father, the legendary Gheorghe Hagi. However, Ianis possesses traits that mark him as one to watch in this tournament. His keen eye for a well-placed pass and his dribbling skills have the potential to elevate Romania's performance and make them a force to be reckoned with.
Although his form at Alaves this season may not have been at its peak, Hagi's time at Rangers undoubtedly showcased his ability to compete at the highest level. His performances in Scotland demonstrated his flair, creativity, and ability to influence matches, earning him praise and admiration from fans and pundits alike.
As Romania prepares for the tournament, Hagi will be a key figure in their midfield, dictating play and unlocking defenses with his vision and skill.
17. Scotland – Scott Mctominay
Scott McTominay often flies under the radar at Old Trafford, but his importance to both Manchester United and the Scottish national team cannot be overstated. Throughout his career, he has delivered crucial goals and demonstrated exceptional versatility, excelling in various positions on the pitch, including midfield and centre-back.
McTominay's reliability and adaptability make him a valuable asset for both club and country. He has consistently stepped up when called upon, showcasing his leadership qualities and willingness to put in the hard work for the team's success.
As Scotland gears up for the tournament, McTominay's contributions will be vital. United fans and football enthusiasts alike may come to appreciate his true value as he shines on the international stage.
18. Serbia – Dusan Vlahovic
Serbia boasts one of the world's most formidable strikers in Dusan Vlahovic, who will lead their attack in the Euros this summer. The Juventus striker concluded the season in magnificent form, netting an impressive 18 goals across all competitions. Among these goals was the winner in the Coppa Italia final against Atalanta—a testament to his ability to deliver on the big stage.
Vlahovic's imposing presence and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. His remarkable goal-scoring prowess and physicality have earned him widespread acclaim and attention from top clubs across Europe.
As Serbia prepares for the tournament, Vlahovic will undoubtedly be the focal point of their attack. His ability to find the back of the net consistently will be crucial to their aspirations of success. Opposing teams will undoubtedly be wary of his threat, knowing that he has the capability to change the course of a game in an instant. Keep an eye on Vlahovic—he's a player who can make a significant impact on the Euros.
19. Slovakia – Lobotka
Stanislav Lobotka has been the heartbeat of the Napoli team this season, demonstrating consistency and leadership in every match. Remarkably, he has started every game in both the league and the Champions League, showcasing his endurance and reliability on the pitch.
Lobotka's running power and tactical astuteness make him a formidable presence in midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and provide defensive cover have been instrumental to Napoli's success this season.
As Slovakia prepares to face Belgium on the 17th of June, Lobotka's matchup against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans will be highly anticipated. His tenacity and composure in midfield will be key as Slovakia looks to contain Belgium's attacking threat and secure a positive result.
Lobotka's performance in this pivotal encounter will be a testament to his stature as one of the standout midfielders in the tournament. Fans can expect an exciting battle between midfield maestros, with Lobotka poised to make his mark against some of the best in the world.
20. Slovenia – Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko emerges as a striking force for Slovenia, having netted an impressive 18 goals this season. His decision to commit to RB Leipzig and reject offers from illustrious clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal underscores his determination to prove his worth to the Bundesliga outfit.
Standing tall at 6'5", Sesko defies expectations with his exceptional close control and dribbling ability. His knack for driving into space with the ball adds a unique dimension to his play, particularly in an era where such skills are often associated more with midfielders than strikers.
As Slovenia gears up for the challenge ahead, Sesko will undoubtedly be a key figure in their attack. His imposing presence in the box combined with his technical prowess make him a formidable threat to opposition defenses. RB Leipzig's decision to reward him with an improved contract speaks volumes about his potential, and fans can expect Sesko to showcase his talents on the international stage with Slovenia.
21. Spain – Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal has emerged as one of the most dazzling and exciting talents in world football at just 17 years old. A regular starter for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team on the right wing, Yamal's performances on the pitch have captivated fans and pundits alike.
His incredible displays this season have left Barcelona and Spain fans in awe of his immense talent. One of the most memorable moments came when he received a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu following a dazzling display against Andorra last week, further cementing his status as a rising star.
Yamal's combination of skill, speed, and intelligence on the field belies his young age. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities has made him a key player for both club and country.
22. Switzerland – Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka may no longer be considered an up-and-coming player, but he has undoubtedly matured and evolved with age. Since Mikel Arteta's arrival at Arsenal last season, Xhaka has experienced a resurgence, growing into a formidable leader on the pitch for both Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.
His remarkable leadership capabilities were on full display as he captained an unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side in the Bundesliga, coming close to completing an unbeaten treble. Xhaka's influence extends beyond his club duties, as he has been a stalwart in Switzerland's midfield for the past decade.
As Switzerland prepares for the Euros, Xhaka's newfound leadership qualities will be under scrutiny. His experience and composure under pressure make him a vital asset in midfield, both in dictating play and providing defensive cover.
Xhaka's ability to lead by example and inspire his teammates will be key to Switzerland's success in the tournament. Fans will be eager to see how his leadership translates on the international stage and whether he can guide Switzerland to a memorable campaign in the Euros.
23. Turkey – Arda Guler
At just 19 years old, Arda Guler possesses immense potential and a left foot reminiscent of Mesut Ozil's. Despite a dream move to Real Madrid last summer from Fenerbahçe being stalled by an injury sustained in preseason, Guler has already showcased glimpses of his talent in the 12 games he's played.
Guler's close control and vision on the ball make him a standout talent. His ability to pick out passes and dictate the tempo of the game can be invaluable for Turkey in the Euros.
While Guler's career at Real Madrid has yet to take off, his performances for Turkey could serve as a platform to showcase his abilities on the international stage. Fans will be eagerly anticipating his contributions, as he aims to fulfill his potential and make a significant impact for his country in the tournament
24. Ukraine - Mykailo Mudryk
Mykailo Mudryk remains a player with the potential to become one of the best wingers in the world, and he is certainly one to watch for Ukraine this summer. Since his big-money move to Chelsea, Mudryk has been hailed for his incredible pace, often likened to that of Kylian Mbappe. However, his rawness still persists, hindering his ability to fully mature as a player.
One of Mudryk's biggest strengths, his blistering pace, can sometimes lead to rushed decision-making, which has been observed as a potential downfall. Despite this, his qualities are sure to cause problems for defenders in the Euros.
As Ukraine prepares for the tournament, Mudryk's electrifying pace and skill on the ball will be crucial assets. If he can refine his decision-making and harness his potential, he has the ability to be a game-changer for his team.