The feast of football that is Euro 2016 brings the best European players together to showcase their talents. Of course, there is always a new breed of player looking to make their mark on this major tournament, so here’s a look at the potential superstars of the future.
Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (Belgium): The Atletico Madrid midfielder’s toughest task at this tournament will be cementing his place in Marc Wilmots starting XI with so much talent to choose from in this Belgium squad. Strength, power and pace with a sublime touch and an eye for goal make Carrasco as close to the perfect player in the modern game. Brought the Champions League final to life after coming on as a second half substitute. Watch out for his goal celebrations in France.
Ante Coric (Croatia) The highly rated Dinamo Zagreb midfielder broke into the national squad without having featured in the qualifying campaign. At 19 years old, Coric is one of the youngest players at the tournament and will be attracting the interest of many of Europe’s big guns who will be in France doing their close-season shopping. Coric’s footwork, close control and balance is mesmeric and he possesses a certain Messi-esque quality that makes him immediately stand out. May be restricted to the odd cameo in the group stages but could get more involved the longer that Croatia stay in the tournament.
Kingsley Coman (France) Just 19 years old and Coman has already won the league in three different countries, helping PSG, Juventus and Bayern Munich to their respective titles – albeit a very limited role while playing for PSG as a 16-year-old. Similarly, the France youngster faces very stiff opposition within his own squad to break into Didier Deschamps' starting XI, yet the host nation are in a very favourable group and it will give the manager a chance to use some of his squad players ahead of their near-guaranteed knock-out stage campaign. The UEFA website bizarrely listed Aiden McGeady and Jon Walters as similar players to Coman under his profile page (although, on further inspection, it would appear that it may just be a random selection of attacking midfielders). Coman certainly enjoys the skill and speed of a young McGeady; should he possess the heart of Walters, France have a real world class prospect on their hands.
Federico Bernardeschi (Italy) The Azzurri are crying out for a superstar to emerge at this summer’s tournament and when the Firoentina number 10 cited Francesco Totti as his model, you sensed that the future was bright for the attacking midfielder. Despite only getting called into the Italy squad in March, Bernardeschi may force his way into contention throughout the group stages and could prove the perfect fit to play in the hole behind Graziano Pelle. The 22-year-old can also play on either flank and proves very effective cutting in from the right, unleashing with his left.
Arkadiusz Milik (Poland) Already familiar with Ireland supporters from the qualifying campaign, the Poland frontman proves every bit as important to the side as strike partner Robert Lewandowski. While Bayern Munich’s Lewandowski receives most of the plaudits due to his goalscoring prowess, Ajax striker Milik is generally in the vicinity pulling the strings. And Milik also adds his fair share of goals, scoring over 20 times in the Dutch top flight, while his international goals-per-game ratio is almost a goal every two games. The Polish striker is another who is set for a summer move to one of the top four leagues.
John Stones (England) There is no disputing that this England team possess a lot of firepower up front, but if Roy Hodgson’s side are to have any impact at this tournament, they will need to get the basics right first and to ensure that they are a tough side to score against. This tournament should prove whether Everton youngster John Stones is a potential world class defender or whether he gets blamed for that one mistake that could cost England their place in the next round. Stones has shown real potential to be a quality modern, ball-playing centre-half but could be exposed if used at right back.
Andre Gomes (Portugal) Never short of flair players, Gomes is the latest in a long line of Portuguese midfielders to impress at the top level in European football. Tall and elegant on the ball, Gomes drifts past players with ease and is very comfortable with either foot. The Valencia midfielder is attracting lots of interest from around Europe following another excellent season in an average club side. Gomes looks like he is on the way to Juventus despite the fact that Manchester United have been interested for some time. Perhaps compatriot Jose Mourinho may make a last-minute intervention.
Aritz Aduriz (Spain) In an article full of Europe’s hottest young stars, it is impossible not to be drawn to this Spanish story, where Aduriz is tasked with bringing the reigning champions back into contention following a disappointing World Cup. The Athletic Bilbao striker is 35 years old and has only a handful of international caps, playing in an era when his compatriots were winning World Cups and European Championships. But Aduriz, an old school centre forward who also excels running behind defenders, earned his Euro 2016 squad place following a 36-goal season, which included 20 league goals and ten in the Europa League, which made him the top scorer in this season’s tournament. Potentially brings to this team what Fernando Torres – who is three years younger – used to.
Granit Xhaka (Switzerland): The new Arsenal signing played for Switzerland in their recent friendly international against Ireland. A ball-playing midfielder, Xhaka gives the Swiss a creative edge, while also providing good cover in midfield. Xhaka’s precise passing with his exceptional left foot is obviously what attracted the attentions of Arsene Wenger and should light up the English Premier League next season. The Swiss were drawn in a favourable group with France, Romania and Albania, and Xhaka can help this side into the round of 16 and possibly beyond. Intriguingly, the Xhaka brothers are set to go head-to-head in the group opener as Granit’s older brother Taulant will be lining out for Albania.
Viktor Kovalenko (Ukraine) Top scorer at last year’s Under-20 World Cup, the Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder brings a welcome splash of youth into an ageing Ukraine squad. Just a handful of caps to his name, Kovalenko has impressed at his club this season and is rumoured to be a Liverpool target. The 20-year-old likes to drop deep to pick up the ball, possesses quick feet and is equally adept with his back to goal or bursting into the box, and should get a chance to lead the next generation of Ukraine players as many others enjoy their international swansong.
