The 2024 European Championships will be star-studded, as we’ll get to see many of the world’s best players all take to the field looking to lead their national team to glory
There will be individuals like Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, and many more all showing their experience and being influential on the pitch.
However, at the same time, there will be numerous youngsters gracing the turf with their skills and abilities, potentially using the platform that this sporting competition offers to further enhance their reputation within world football, despite still being only very young.
Who are the main youngsters to keep an eye on at the 2024 Euros?
Suppose you’re an enthusiast of European football. In that case, you’ll probably already have a good idea of the young talents that will be worth keeping an eye on at the upcoming European Championships.
If you’re not, then there may be a few names that may just shock or surprise you at this year’s competition that you’ll love watching and may want to follow closely in their domestic seasons for their clubs in the seasons to come.
1. Jude Bellingham
One name that most football fans will recognize as being one of the best young talents to have emerged in recent years is Jude Bellingham. The England midfielder has been sensational for a few years already but has taken his game to an entirely new level since joining Real Madrid. He’s been an important figure for Carlo Ancelotti’s side and will likely be just as important for Gareth Southgate.
Many are expecting him to be among the goals at this year’s summer tournament, while some may have noticed that he is also a EUROs 2024 betting favorite when it comes to being the best young player at the tournament. He is currently priced at 37/20, making him the clear favorite above everyone else.
2. Jamal Musiala
Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala is another young player who has the world at his feet. The German – who could have represented England – has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Bavarians when given the opportunity, being a key player in the team.
Nicknamed “Bambi” due to his ability to dribble with the ball, the 21-year-old is expected to be one of the best players in world football as he gets older. He has already had a glowing start to his career, and the 2024 Euros could be another platform to showcase his abilities.
3. Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz, an attacking midfielder and winger who has been integral to Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga triumph, has caught the attention of many across the continent with his regular contributions and performances.
The 21-year-old is a player who is thought to be in demand by other clubs across Europe. He scored 11 goals and assisted 12 more in his 32 Bundesliga appearances as they won the title. If he produces the same type of displays for Germany, the hosts will compete well.
4. Lamine Yamal
FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal will be one of the youngest players at the 2024 Euros, as he is just 16 years old. However, given the amount of talent the Spanish winger has at his feet, his age is clearly just a number.
Yamal has been a key player for Xavi at club level, having played in most games this season. In La Liga, he played in 36 matches, scoring five goals and providing an additional five through assists. His stock will only rise further at this year’s tournament, but at 16, perhaps expectations should remain relatively low.
5. Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga is a name that almost every football fan will know. The Real Madrid and France midfielder is arguably one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment. He is still only 21, perhaps highlighting just how good he really is, as his name has been around for a few years already.
He will be a key part of the France squad this summer. Suppose he puts in the type of performances that we’ve seen him put in for his club. In that case, there is every chance that the Les Bleus midfield will be very difficult to beat, especially if he teams up with his club teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni or a returning N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park.
Just five of many to watch
Although these individuals are among the five young players to watch, the 2024 European Championships will feature a plethora of top talent that are still very young. It wouldn’t be a surprise if we were to see many breakout performances from players whose ages are far younger than their footballing abilities would suggest they are.
With a mixture of young and old, this year’s tournament could be one of the best we have seen.