Gurusprovince
Now that the curtains have risen on Euro 2024, football enthusiasts are witnessing a vibrant display of youthful talent taking the stage by storm.
The first round of games has already showcased an array of promising stars who are not only lighting up the tournament but also signalling the dawn of a new era in European football.
Among these prodigious talents, several young players have already made a lasting impression, demonstrating skill, maturity, and an insatiable hunger for success.
Here are a few that have stood out to me.
Florian Wirtz (21)
Florian Wirtz is a brilliant attacking midfielder who dazzled in Germany with Xabi Alonso’s unstoppable Bayer Leverkusen. Now, he aims to repeat his performance with the “Mannschaft” as they host the tournament.
Half of Europe is vying for his services, but he has already expressed his intention to stay one more year with Alonso at the “aspirin” club. Wirtz’s creativity, vision, and knack for scoring crucial goals make him a cornerstone of Germany’s ambitions, and his first-round performance has only heightened expectations.
In Germany’s Euros opener against Scotland, Florian Wirtz made an immediate impact by scoring the opening goal within the first ten minutes, setting the tone for a dominant performance
Lamine Yamal (16)
The youngest player at the Euro, just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal is already shaping up to be the future of Spain’s attack. A tiny devil with intimidating dribbling, speed, and finishing skills like no other in La Roja’s recent memory.
At Barcelona, he’s emerged as the great hope for a club in tough times, and the Euros looks to be the stage where his name gains a much wider reach.
Yamal looked unfazed in his first game at the tournament. Not only did he quickly impress, but he also set up Dani Carvajal’s goal in a 3-0 victory, naturally making him the youngest player to serve up an assist at the Euros.
His fearless approach and technical prowess have already made him a fan favourite and a nightmare for defenders.
Jamal Musiala (21)
Jamal Musiala, often heralded as the jewel of Germany’s next generation, delivered a standout performance in their 5-1 thrashing of Scotland. His dazzling display included a sublime goal that highlighted his blend of finesse and power.
Musiala’s ability to glide past defenders effortlessly and his impeccable ball control left Scotland struggling to contain him throughout the match. His performance was instrumental in Germany’s dominant start to the tournament, as he orchestrated attacks with remarkable vision and composure.
Musiala’s versatility allows him to be effective in multiple attacking roles, whether driving forward from midfield or operating closer to the goal. His dribbling ability and quick feet were on full display as he continuously troubled the Scottish defence.
Arda Güler (19)
In his Euro debut, Arda Güler not only netted a remarkable goal against Georgia but also displayed his excellent dribbling and playmaking abilities, consistently posing a threat to the opposition’s defence.
Despite a first season at Real Madrid marred by injuries and a lack of opportunities, he arrived at the Euros ready to showcase his vast footballing skills. His attacking abilities are limitless: dribbling with surgical precision, elegant movement, clear vision, and powerful shooting.
If he can consistently bring out his magic, Turkey could prove to be tough opposition in this tournament.
Jude Bellingham (20)
Jude Bellingham’s strong opening performance at the Euros against Serbia proved why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Despite Serbia’s attempts to ruffle his feathers, Jude Bellingham showcased his dominance in the midfield, demonstrating impressive composure and leadership that contributed significantly to his team’s commanding performance.
Unfazed and standing his ground, his maturity, leadership, and box-to-box capabilities have been crucial for England, and his commanding presence in the midfield is expected to drive his team’s ambitions in the tournament.
It’s hard to believe he is only 20 as he plays and speaks with such maturity.
I wrote a piece about Jude here.
These young stars have turned the first round of Euro 2024 into a thrilling spectacle. Their performances not only provide a glimpse of football’s bright future but also remind us of the timeless excitement and unpredictability that the beautiful game brings.
As the tournament progresses, I look forward to more memorable moments from these young talents, who seem destined to become the legends of tomorrow.
I am not suggesting these guys are the only good young performers, they’re just the ones that stood out to me so far.
Who’s impressed you most?
Written by David Skilling