The excitement is building ahead of the Euro 2024 kickoff on Friday, as Germany prepares to take on Scotland in the tournament’s opening match. With a plethora of talented players set to grace the fields of Germany, the stage is set for a thrilling competition.
While notable absentees such as Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, and Alexander Isak will be missed, there is no shortage of stars ready to step up and shine. Mail Sport’s Danny Murphy has identified ten players who are worth keeping an eye on during the tournament, including a Spanish prodigy and an English midfielder who has rapidly risen through the ranks.
Here is a list of ten players who could light up Euro 2024 and make a lasting impression on the tournament:
1. JAMAL MUSIALA
GERMANY/Bayern Munich
Musiala, at just 21 years old, possesses an incredible ability to dribble past opponents with ease. His self-belief and fearlessness, even when up against the best, are admirable. Musiala can operate anywhere across the front line, providing Germany with versatile options in attack. Look out for his impact as the host nation aims to impress.
Germany’s Jamal Musiala is a talented dribbler with a fearless attitude.
2. LAMINE YAMAL
SPAIN/Barcelona
Lamine Yamal, still only 16 years old, has already made 50 appearances for Barcelona. With his birthday falling just a day before the Euro 2024 final, there’s a chance for a fairy-tale ending if Spain goes all the way. Yamal’s quick feet and pace make him a phenomenal talent, and he is already the youngest debutant and scorer in La Liga. Keep an eye out for this superstar in the making.
Lamine Yamal, a Barcelona prodigy, has already made 50 appearances for the club at just 16 years old.
3. EDUARDO CAMAVINGA
FRANCE/Real Madrid
Eduardo Camavinga, the 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, was instrumental in their Champions League triumph. He can play in midfield or cover at left-back, showcasing great versatility and maturity beyond his years. Camavinga’s ability to keep possession under pressure, combined with his quick and tenacious style, makes him a standout player in France’s talented squad.
Eduardo Camavinga, a versatile and mature midfielder, will be a key player for France during Euro 2024.
4. DUSAN VLAHOVIC
SERBIA/Juventus
Dusan Vlahovic, the Juventus striker, has rebounded from a difficult start to his time in Turin. His resurgence serves as a warning to England, who face Serbia in their opening match. Vlahovic’s combination of physicality and pace makes him a constant threat. He can be quiet for long periods, only to strike with deadly efficiency when given half a chance.
Dusan Vlahovic, the Juventus striker, will be a threat to England with his physicality and pace.
5. LOIS OPENDA
BELGIUM/RB Leipzig
Lois Openda, the 28-goal striker for RB Leipzig, could be the breakout star of Euro 2024. While Belgium is likely to start with Romelu Lukaku, Openda provides a dynamic option off the bench. His pace, calm finishing, and ability to run in behind defenses make him a nightmare for opponents.
Lois Openda, the RB Leipzig striker, is a dynamic and pacey option for Belgium.
6. MANUEL AKANJI
SWITZERLAND/Man City
Manuel Akanji, the Manchester City defender, may fly under the radar at his club, but he is a pivotal player for Switzerland. Comfortable in multiple positions, including full-back, holding midfielder, and center-back, Akanji showcases a brilliant football brain. His versatility and leadership will be key to Switzerland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
Manuel Akanji, a versatile defender for Switzerland, will be crucial to their Euro 2024 campaign.
7. ANTONIO SILVA
PORTUGAL/Benfica
Antonio Silva, the 20-year-old Benfica center-back, is highly rated in Portugal and is expected to partner Ruben Dias in defense. His towering physical presence has caught the attention of Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United. Silva will be a key part of Portugal’s defensive solidity during the tournament.
Antonio Silva, the Benfica center-back, has attracted interest from Premier League clubs.
8. KENAN YILDIZ
TURKEY/Juventus
Kenan Yildiz, the 19-year-old Juventus midfielder, is already well-known in Germany after scoring against them in a friendly. Standing at 6’2″, Yildiz possesses a rare combination of physical presence and technical ability. His ability to cover ground and twist past markers makes him a dynamic playmaker or left-sided attacker.
Kenan Yildiz, the Juventus midfielder, blends physicality with technical skill.
9. FLORIAN WIRTZ
GERMANY/Bayer Leverkusen
Florian Wirtz, the Bayer Leverkusen star, had a record-breaking season and is a key player for Germany. Wirtz possesses excellent balance and ball manipulation skills. Starting from a wide position, he can beat defenders and cut inside to create chances with his passing and shooting. Alongside Musiala and Sane, Wirtz forms part of a formidable German attack.
Florian Wirtz, the Bayer Leverkusen star, is a key player for Germany after a record-breaking season.
10. ADAM WHARTON
ENGLAND/Crystal Palace
Adam Wharton, the 20-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder, has had a remarkable rise this year, starting at Blackburn and now earning a call-up to the England squad. His ability to receive the ball in tight areas, play one-touch passes, and break up play has impressed Gareth Southgate. Wharton could be a surprise package for England during the tournament.
Adam Wharton, the Crystal Palace midfielder, has had a remarkable rise and could be a surprise for England.