It is that time again \u2013 Euro 2020 is finally here. It is a year late, but at least it is actually taking place. This piece highlights the best talent with a profile of five Euro 2020 rising stars that could excel.<\/p>\n
There is plenty to love about international tournaments. National pride, exhilarating games and surprise results are just a few reasons why they are so great.<\/p>\n
But great drama and brilliant storylines are generated in the opportunities for youngsters to announce themselves as the next big thing.<\/p>\n
There is a lot to look out for this year. It was incredibly difficult to pick just five when there are so many emerging stars. Furthermore, this list will be focused on players 21-years-old or under. Anyone older than that will be excluded. Additionally, the list will only contain one player per country.<\/p>\n
There are also a few who have missed out due to them not being included in their national squad or through injury. Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga<\/a> would have made the list, but he has not been selected. Likewise, Hungary\u2019s Dominick Szoboszlai is injured.<\/p>\n Despite this, there is still plenty of exciting young players to keep an eye on. Who will be the next international breakout star?<\/p>\n Blisteringly quick with intricate dribbling to compliment it, Jeremy Doku is the ideal modern winger. He has got more or less everything a winger needs to be successful \u2013 and he\u2019s only 19.<\/p>\n The Belgian also displays intelligence on the pitch, making smart runs to create chances for himself and his teammates.<\/p>\n He has only achieved three goals and two assists this year for Rennes. But, this was only his first season in one of the top five leagues, so he may need time to find some consistent form.<\/p>\n In the Euros, he may be benched in favour of Belgium\u2019s established stars, but do not sleep on this young man. His talents are already evident, and they will only continue to grow. However, the fact that he was picked over Belgium’s other youngsters to be included in their stacked Euro squad speaks volumes about Doku’s potential.<\/p>\n An adaptable midfielder with extensive abilities both defensively and offensively, Ryan Gravenberch is an immense talent. He is a complete midfielder at the age of just 19. Many say central midfield is the most demanding position in football, but Gravenberch makes it look frighteningly easy.<\/p>\n While often deployed as holding midfielder, Gravenberch can also bomb forward and create chances for his teammates. He has scored five goals for Ajax<\/a> this year and made six assists in all competitions.<\/p>\n He is very strong on the ball, given his stature of 6ft 3′. This allows him to get up and down the pitch with regularity, supplying his attacking teammates. He is a top passer, too.<\/p>\n Gravenberch may have the widest skillset of anyone on this list. With interest coming from clubs such as Liverpool and Barcelona<\/a>, it seems the Dutchman will be a household name before long.<\/p>\n Strong, fast and good on the ball, it is difficult to believe Portugal\u2019s Nuno Mendes is only 18. His physicality is incredible; his powerful runs forward are very effective, and his weak foot is not bad either. He has got a lot in his locker.<\/p>\n Mendes\u2019 pace makes him a daunting obstacle for any winger to reliably overcome. He is a steady defender as well; he is not a rash tackler like many his age are.<\/p>\n As he is very good with the ball at his feet, Mendes can also play as a left-winger. His adaptability is just another feather in his cap.<\/p>\n Currently playing for Sporting Lisbon, Mendes has attracted attention from Manchester City<\/a> and Chelsea<\/a>, amongst others. He is expected to become one of the best left-backs in the world, sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n What is left to say about Phil Foden<\/a>? The future of this young man\u2019s career will be monumentally illustrious, to say the least. He has already, won three Premier Leagues trophies, and he has played in a Champions League final<\/a>.<\/p>\n Foden is a magician on the ball, able to jink his way past multiple players at once. Such a skill is rare nowadays, given the current footballing zeitgeist of organised pressing.<\/p>\n He is a smart footballer too, with more than enough nouse to play centrally or as an attacking midfielder, as well as out wide.<\/p>\n Gareth Southgate<\/a> would be wise to play him whenever possible. He is the kind of player a team can turn to when they need a defence unlocking.<\/p>\n Juventus<\/a>\u2019 Dejan Kulusevski is an absolute joy to watch. His technique is first class and he is very intelligent on the ball for his age. For such a young player, his quick thinking is very impressive.<\/p>\n Four goals and three assists this season may seem like a paltry amount, but Kulusevski has much more to offer. The Serie A is notoriously a defensive league, and 2020\/21 was his first season at Juventus. Once he settles in, he is likely to thrive.<\/p>\n An adroit passer who can easily take fullbacks out of the equation, Kulusevski provides a unique threat. It is rare to have such an effective, composed distributor of the ball playing out wide, dragging players out of position.<\/p>\n The Swede has already been dubbed their next national hero, following in the footsteps of Freddie Ljungberg and Zlatan Ibrahimovic<\/a>. These are massive shoes to fill, but luckily, Kulusevski looks more than up to the task.<\/p>\n Main Photo<\/p>\nEuro 2020 Rising Stars to Watch<\/h2>\n
Jeremy Doku<\/h3>\n
Ryan Gravenberch<\/h3>\n
Nuno Mendes<\/h3>\n
Phil Foden<\/h3>\n
Dejan Kulusevski<\/h3>\n