The upcoming Under-21 European Championship is set to kick off this week, presenting a golden opportunity for emerging talents to shine on the international stage.
Here are five individuals to keep an eye on.
Gabri Veiga (Spain, midfielder)
Gabri Veiga has rapidly emerged as a rising star in the world of football. His full debut in the 2022/23 LaLiga season for Celta Vigo was nothing short of impressive, as he played a pivotal role in helping his team avoid relegation.
In his debut season, Veiga showcased his exceptional abilities by netting an impressive tally of 11 goals and providing 4 assists in 36 LaLiga appearances. One particular highlight was his remarkable match-winning brace against Barcelona, a performance that not only secured a memorable victory but also confirmed Celta Vigo’s place in LaLiga for the following season. Such contributions have firmly established Veiga as a valuable asset for his team.
As a result of his standout performances, Veiga has become the subject of considerable attention and speculation during the summer transfer window. It is widely expected that he will make a significant move to a top club in the near future, given his immense potential and the impact he has demonstrated at such a young age.
The U-21 Euros will serve as the perfect platform for Veiga to further exhibit his skills and abilities. As he takes the field for Spain’s Under-21 squad, the eyes of top clubs will be fixed upon him, eagerly observing his performances and assessing his suitability for a potential transfer.
Levi Colwill (England, centre-back)
Levi Colwill has enjoyed a stellar season, impressing as a loanee at Brighton from Chelsea and contributing to the Seagulls’ Europa League qualification. His standout performances have reportedly attracted a £40 million bid from Brighton, but Chelsea remains firm in their decision to retain Colwill, seeing him as a vital asset for the upcoming season under Pochettino. The 20-year-old defender’s progress extends beyond club level, as he recently trained with the senior England squad, earning praise from manager Gareth Southgate for his strong mentality and temperament.
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Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany, forward)
At just 18 years old, Youssoufa Moukoko is already considered one of Europe’s most promising young strikers. Holding multiple records, including being the youngest player to feature in the Bundesliga and score in the competition, Moukoko’s talent is undeniable. He has represented the senior German side and showcased his goal-scoring prowess for Borussia Dortmund, netting seven league goals last season. Fellow Dortmund striker Erling Haaland has even acclaimed Moukoko as superior to himself at the same age, a testament to the Cameroonian-born forward’s immense potential to become a feared goal scorer.
Sandro Tonali (Italy, midfielder)
Sandro Tonali, at 23 years old, will be one of the older players participating in the tournament, making this his final chance to represent Italy at the U21 level. The central midfielder is a pivotal figure in AC Milan’s squad and has already earned a Scudetto medal. Tonali’s performances have attracted attention from clubs across Europe, including the Premier League. With nearly 300 appearances in his career since his debut at Brescia in 2017, the tireless midfielder brings leadership and experience to the Italian team as they navigate a challenging group featuring a talented France squad.
Rayan Cherki (France, attacking midfielder)
Despite being just 19 years old, Rayan Cherki has already established a reputation in the world of football. Since his debut for Lyon at the age of 16 in 2019, the attacking midfielder has garnered attention as another promising talent from Lyon’s renowned academy, which has produced the likes of Karim Benzema, Anthony Martial, Hatem Ben Arfa, and Alexandre Lacazette. Cherki has been linked to numerous top European clubs, including recent reported interest from Paris St-Germain and Newcastle. Given the honor of wearing the number 10 shirt, Cherki is poised to exhibit his remarkable skills and talents for France’s Under-21 squad, which boasts exceptional quality.
As the U-21 Euros unfolds, these five players possess the ability to captivate audiences with their skills and potentially make significant impacts for their respective teams.
