Euro 2024 is well underway now, and so far, there has been plenty of fascinating matches taking place across Germany. There’s also been several standout-performing young players that have taken Europe by storm, as is usually the case when international tournaments come around.
Right now, the winner of Euro 2024 is a lottery – and if gambling is your thing, why not check out latest online casinos? Pre-tournament favourites France and England have looked unconvincing, while Germany and Spain have been very good. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it is from these latter two nations that some of the best performing youngsters have come.
For La Roja, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal have stolen the show over the last week. The former was dazzling against Italy, and despite not registering a goal contribution (although he was heavily involved in the only goal of the game), he was selected as the Player of the Match. Lamine Yamal also impressed against the Azzurri, and he was arguably even better against Croatia.
Spain also have Pedri – it’s easy to forget that the Barcelona midfielder is only 21. He had an injury-disrupted 2023-24 season, but playing in a slightly more advanced role under Luis de la Fuente, he has looked good in the opening two matchdays. He should get even better as he keeps building his match sharpness up.
As mentioned, Germany also have their fair share of young talent, with the two main candidates being Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. The pair have been fantastic since the start of the tournament, especially Musiala – he won Player of the Match during the recent victory over Hungary, and scored also in the tournament opener against Scotland.
Another top youngster so far in Euro 2024 has been Arda Guler, who has been in fantastic form over the last couple of form. The 19-year-old had a tough opening to his time at Real Madrid, but since April, he has turned things around. He carried that form into Türkiye’s opening match against Georgia, where he scored and won Player of the Match.
Finally, Xavi Simons should also be one to keep an eye on in Germany. He’s started both of The Netherlands’ opening fixtures, and although he has not particularly stood out, he has the capability to be a crucial player for Oranje. He could have been the matchwinner against France, but he had a goal controversially ruled out.
There are so many exciting young footballers currently plying their trade at the highest level, and these are only a handful. It will be very interesting to see how they each get on for the remainder of the competition.
