Six Young Footballers Poised to Shine at the European Championships
As anticipation builds for the European Championships, attention is not only on the established stars but also on emerging young talents ready to make their mark on the continental stage. Following Germany’s victory over Portugal in the U-21 European Championships, the senior squads are preparing to compete—many featuring promising players under the age of 21. Here’s a look at six U-21 players who could be pivotal over the coming weeks.
Ferran Torres: Spain’s Attacking Option with Versatility
Ferran Torres, just 21 years old, arrives at the tournament after experiencing limited playing time at Manchester City. However, his versatility in Spain’s attack could prove vital. Comfortable operating in multiple offensive positions, Torres is expected to fill any gaps in Spain’s forward line. His goal-scoring instincts and adaptability may help Spain navigate the group stage and beyond, providing a much-needed spark up front.
Joao Felix: Portugal’s Dynamic Forward Talent
Joao Felix, fresh from winning the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid, remains one of football’s most exciting young prospects. Despite Portugal’s wealth of attacking options, Felix’s technical abilities and positional flexibility—whether in the front line or as a creative number ten—make him a likely candidate for significant playing time. His potential partnerships with Portugal’s established scorers, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Andre Silva, could add a new dimension to the team’s attack.
Owen Wijndal: Netherlands’ Composed Full-Back
Owen Wijndal, who earned a place in the senior Netherlands squad thanks to standout performances with AZ Alkmaar during the 2020-21 campaign, is quickly becoming a key figure. Known for his confidence on the ball and sharp defensive awareness, Wijndal can adapt to various tactical setups—either as part of a back three or four. A strong showing here might even catch the eye of major European clubs, making him one of the tournament’s emerging defenders to monitor.
Jadon Sancho: England’s Explosive Wide Playmaker
Despite being just 21, Jadon Sancho boasts several years of top-flight experience with Borussia Dortmund. His impressive Bundesliga season, tallying eight goals and eleven assists in just 26 appearances, underlines his value. Although England’s abundance of attacking talent presents a selection dilemma for Gareth Southgate, Sancho’s dribbling, agility, and creativity could be decisive for the Three Lions—especially in close matches where a moment of brilliance is required.
Phil Foden: England’s Creative Spark in Midfield
Phil Foden heads into the European Championships on the back of an exceptional season at Manchester City, where he was recognized as the PFA Young Player of the Year. Across the season, Foden’s technical skill and intelligent movement saw him force his way into the starting eleven, often ahead of established stars. While questions remain about England’s attacking setup, Foden’s ability to unlock defences, whether as a starter or impact substitute, makes him an exciting player to watch.
Dejan Kulusevski: Sweden’s Key to Progression
With veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic absent, Sweden will look toward Dejan Kulusevski to drive their fortunes. The Juventus midfielder offers versatility, being effective both in central roles and out wide. His energy and ability to transition play from defence to attack will be essential for Sweden’s hopes of navigating a challenging group. Still only 21, Kulusevski is positioned to take on increased responsibility on the international stage.
Conclusion: The Next Generation Steps Up
The European Championships consistently highlight the stars of tomorrow, and this year is no different. These six young footballers bring a combination of technical proficiency, tactical intelligence, and youthful energy. As the tournament unfolds, keep an eye on their performances—they may well shape the storylines of this summer’s competition.
