The Associated Press takes a look at some of the players expected to light up the European Championships in Germany, which begin on June 14.
PHIL FODEN (ENGLAND)
Carefully nurtured by Pep Guardiola, Foden took some time to reach world-class level. He’s there now – and the Manchester City striker is heading into a major international tournament as England’s first-choice starter and starter The best player in the Premier League this season. While defenses are busy with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, it may be Foden who benefits most from his quick feet and vision of goal. It will be interesting to see where he starts – as an attacking central midfielder or on one of the wings. But he will start, and that is exciting for English fans who have been waiting for Foden to flourish.
FLORIAN WIRTZ (GERMANY)
A player in the mold of Foden – and perhaps another Man City player, Jack Grealish, because of his low-waisted socks – is Wirtz, who has established himself as a standout in the German league at newly crowned champions Bayer Leverkusen. At 21, Wirtz is a number 10 with incredible balance, technical ability and creativity who combines this with a relentless pressing game – something required of attacking players in the modern era. Once the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history (at 17), he was one of Germany’s youngest ever players and scored against France after just seven seconds in March. It was considered the fastest international goal of all time, before the record was broken that day. This is his first major international tournament – a knee injury ruled him out of the 2022 World Cup – and it certainly won’t be his last.
LAMINE YAMAL (SPAIN)
The old adage “if you’re good enough, you’re old enough” certainly applies to Yamal, the Spanish winger who was 15 years, 9 months and 16 days when he made his debut for Barcelona and will still be 16 at Euro 2024. begins . Yamal, born near Barcelona to a mother from Equatorial Guinea and a father from Morocco, is the last prodigy to leave Barcelona from the famous La Masia academy and he doesn’t stop breaking records. The youngest player to debut – and score – in the Spanish league, the youngest to start in the Champions League, the youngest to score for the Spanish national team and the youngest to score in qualifying for the European Championship. Fast and direct, Yamal already has a lot of presence despite his age.
RAFAEL LEÃO (PORTUGAL)
Portugal will one day reach the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era and the team will need an attacking star to build around. Leao has the ability to be that player, even if his standout performances have been rarer than many at AC Milan would like this season. Leão’s talent is clear – he is one of the most exciting wingers in the world and few are capable of running with the ball with such pace, strength and athleticism. A 175 million euro ($190 million) release clause is proof of that, but there is certainly room for improvement with Leao, especially when he lacks space to run and is tasked with breaking down compacted defenses.
KHVICHA KVARATSKHELIA (GEORGIA)
Georgia’s success in their first major tournament could come down to the performances of a winger whose playing style and status at Napoli are such that he earned the nickname “Kvaradona” – after the late Diego Maradona, who also played for the Italian national team. club. An unknown relative when he joined Napoli in the 2022 off-season of Georgian club Dinamo Batumi, Kvaratskhelia is now one of the most exciting strikers in Europe and the poster boy for the Georgian national team that qualified for the Euros through the playoffs. Listen to the rising decibel levels among Georgia fans every time he catches the ball.
LUKA MODRIC (CROATIA)
Now 38, Modric finished the season at Real Madrid primarily as a substitute who came on in the second half to have more control and watch games. Don’t worry: for Croatia, he’s still the main man. Modric may no longer be the force he once was, but his technique, vision and game management are still at a level that will set him apart from most central midfielders at Euro 2024. It was only 18 months ago that Modric, the guy who in 2018 he broke the decade-long Ballon d’Or hegemony of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, was one of the best players at the World Cup as Croatia overcame the odds to reach the semi-finals. Football fans are relishing the opportunity to see him in another – perhaps final – major international tournament. Make the most of it.
HEORHIY SUDAKOV (UKRAINE)
A European Championship could be a showcase for young talent to secure a big-money move to a top club, and Sudakov could fit into this category. The 21-year-old Ukrainian midfielder has grown rapidly in recent years. Outside the field, he got married, had a daughter who is now 2 years old and saw his country being invaded by Russia to start a war that continues. On the pitch, he established himself as a star for nomadic Ukrainian team Shakhtar Donetsk, made his debut in the Champions League – including scoring against Barcelona – and is expected to compete in the Euros and the Olympics this summer. He says he is happy to be developing at Shakhtar, but expects Sudakov to receive some big offers this off-season.
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