The upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany is set to be a breeding ground for the next generation of European footballing greats. Throughout its history, the tournament has consistently served as a springboard for young players to shine on the big stage.
Previous editions have witnessed the emergence of players like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Kingsley Coman, Cesc Fàbregas, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Pedri González. These players captivated audiences with their talent and quickly transitioned from promising prospects to household names.
Euro 2024 promises to continue this tradition. Many young players are poised to break through and announce themselves to the world. This tournament will be a crucial platform for them to demonstrate their skills and take a step towards becoming the next generation of footballing superstars. Our guide considers some of the top prospects coming into this competition. Before we proceed, our website EaglePredict offers the best euro 2024 betting strategy
Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)
Lamine Yamal, a 16-year-old prodigy currently demonstrating audacity in one of the grandest theatres of football, the Nou Camp. His regular on-pitch wizardry leaves spectators spellbound. In the wake of a challenging season for Barcelona, Yamal’s rise could help sustain the club’s prosperity in the coming decade and beyond.
He has a gifted left foot and a knack for the right-wing position. The parallels drawn with Lionel Messi were inevitable, particularly in light of his impressive journey through La Masia and record-breaking feats for Spain.
Yamal’s roster of shattered records is nothing short of astounding. He holds the title of the youngest-ever starter for Barcelona. He is the youngest scorer in both Barca and La Liga history. He is also the youngest Champions League match-starter and player. Yamal is also the youngest player and goalscorer in the Spanish national team.
Yamal’s style of play strongly mirrors Messi’s, mainly when he operates from the right side, deftly switching to his dominant left foot. His low centre of gravity, readiness to challenge defenders head-on, and keen sense for both an assist and a goal remind many of the Argentine maestro.
His stunning match-winner against Mallorca in early March closely resembles numerous goals from Messi’s illustrious career. There’s a strong indication that he is the rising superstar around whom a fresh chapter of Barca’s success story can be scripted. With his arsenal of skills and talents, he is well-positioned to impact the upcoming Euro tournament significantly.
Benjamin Šeško (Slovenia, Leipzig)
The first youngster you should watch in the tournament is Benjamin Sesko. Due to his style of play and finishing technique, he’s often referred to as the next Haaland. Benjamin Šeško, at 6’4″, stands an inch taller than Haaland, yet both defy their imposing physical statures with electrifying pace.
Šeško’s presence in the air makes him a formidable threat. He also uses both feet well, delivering sublime techniques despite his height. His journey began at RB Salzburg officially in the 2021/22 season. During his debut season, he made 37 appearances, including six in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
He scored an impressive tally of 11 goals during his first year in professional football. Five of those goals came in just five Austrian Cup games, earning him the accolade of the competition’s top scorer. Additionally, he contributed six assists, playing a pivotal role in Salzburg’s successful pursuit of the Austrian double.
In the 2022/23 campaign, Šeško kicked into an even higher gear. That season, he scored 16 times in 30 league appearances. Thanks to his contribution, Salzburg secured their second consecutive league title.
Šeško was eligible to represent either Slovenia or Bosnia and Herzegovina. He initially made 25 youth international appearances for Slovenia. Success at that level saw him get fast-tracked to the senior side. His full international debut came on June 1, 2021, against North Macedonia, where he became Slovenia’s youngest-ever player in the 1-1 draw.
Šeško continued to make history, becoming Slovenia’s youngest goalscorer when he found the back of the net in a 4-0 victory over Malta during their 2022 World Cup qualifying match. Sesko already has five goals under his belt from the 2024 Euros qualifying campaign. Given his quality, he is poised to play a crucial role for Slovenia in Germany.
Warren Zaire-Emery (France, PSG)
Another young gem who could steal the show in Germany is Warren Zaire-Emery. The future appears exceptionally promising for a player whose ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. Last season, he became the youngest player to debut for PSG at just 16 years and 151 days old.
Under the guidance of Luiz Enrique, Zaïre-Emery has transitioned from displaying potential to becoming an influential figure in the team. He has earned the unwavering trust of both his teammates and coach.
On November 9, 2023, Zaïre-Emery received the call to join the France squad for matches against Gibraltar and Greece. His inclusion elicited exuberant celebrations at PSG, with his teammates joyfully converging in his hotel room to honour the young star. Despite all the fanfare, he remained modest and composed.
This composed demeanour has become emblematic of his time at PSG, as he has consistently met every professional achievement with the same calm approach. His performance against Gibraltar earned him what is likely to be the first of many caps for France, making him the third youngest player in French history as Les Bleus triumphed 14-0 over the European minnows.
Zaïre-Emery’s dynamism and proficiency across all phases of play make him indispensable to Luis Enrique’s PSG. If he can maintain this level of consistency, his development could propel him to become a globally recognised star at Euro 2024.
Johan Bakayoko (Belgium, PSV)
Bakayoko has emerged as the standout performer for PSV Eindhoven in a remarkable season. He contributed to his club, leading the Eredivisie standings this season. Despite the recent departures of key players like Cody Gakpo and Noni Madueke, Bakayoko has risen to the occasion. With electric performances on the wing, he has contributed goals and assists as PSV continues to dominate the league.
For Belgium, he has notched one goal and provided two assists. He will be keen to shoulder more responsibility for a nation that has bid farewell to Eden Hazard. Could he be the next big thing after Hazard? Time will tell.
The 20-year-old has garnered interest from European clubs, including Liverpool and Manchester United. A strong showing at the Euros alongside Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, and Kevin De Bruyne could be the catalyst for a significant move in his career.
Bakayoko is a versatile player, capable of fulfilling traditional and modern wing play demands. He possesses the ability to deliver precise in-swinging crosses from the right for traditionalists. The PSV man can also cut inside and unleash powerful shots on goal.
His exceptional balance allows him to navigate challenges with poise, utilising his core strength to maintain control and execute his desired moves with the ball. While not reliant on explosive speed, his efficiency on the field sets him apart, a rare quality for a player his age. Fans can anticipate being enthralled by his skills and determination during the upcoming tournament.
Arda Guler (Turkey, Real Madrid)
Despite a challenging start at Real Madrid, many might forget Arda Güler’s brilliance after his dazzling season with Fenerbahce. At just 17, his talent was undeniable. Donning the legendary No. 10 shirt previously given to Mesut Özil indicates his impact. This earned him a dream move to the Bernabéu last summer.
Injuries have delayed his explosive impact, unlike fellow summer signing Bellingham, who raved, “Arda Güler is usually dubbed the “Turkish Messi.” Güler also shares similarities with Messi. He is left-footed on the right wing, scoring stunners and delivering killer passes. His dribbling skills make him a nightmare for defenders.
While his left foot is dominant, Güler is adept with his right, too. His creativity and technical prowess shine when he possesses the ball. He excels at driving forward and striking with precision.
However, Güler must refine his dribbling, adding pace to his gameplay. He currently relies on trickery without always using pace. Much like Vinícius’ adaptation, this requires learning to beat defenders from a standstill. Güler has been a key member of the Turkish national team for two years now, so he’s poised to play a vital role at Euro 2024. This tournament presents a golden opportunity to showcase his talent on a global stage.
Conclusion
These are just a few names to watch out for at Euro 2024. The talent on display promises exciting matches and the birth of new heroes. Established stars will undoubtedly command attention. However, it is the emerging young talents who have the potential to steal the show and captivate the hearts of fans globally. Our EaglePredict website offers the best Euro 2024 betting strategy and predictions for this event. Please check out our website and register.
