Article by: Lakhe Thwala
The 2020 Euro Championships is set to kick-off on June 11 after a long-wait caused by the ongoing pandemic, Covid-19. The Three Lions arguably boast the most exciting young players at the 2020 UEFA European competition.
Ronaldo led Portugal were victorious in the 2016 edition when they defeated the then and current favorites France in the final. However, Portugal are drawn in the group of death (Group F) with the likes of the reigning and star-studded World Champions France, the ever-attacking football Germany, and underdogs Hungary.
There are several young stars who have shown some of the most exciting football at club-level despite their age. The performance transition from club-level to the international stage, remains the main challenges for players as we have witnessed quite a number of promising young stars kissing their careers goodbye due to stage freight at international level.
However, there is something different about today’s generation as they have continued to show their splendid performances with their national teams. This year’s UEFA Euro will surely be the final test for the world’s young world class stars to justify both their weekly-wages and market value.
We take a look at the Top 5 Young Stars at UEFA EURO 2020
Mason Mount – England (22)
Born on 19 January 1999, Mount would have never imagined having a successful career at a young age, having already established himself as a regular starter at Stamford Bridge as he has been with the club since he was seven-years-old. Mount is without a doubt one of the best attacking young talents in the world.
At 22, the talented attacking midfielder has already won a UEFA Champions League, playing a crucial role on their way to the final with his eye-catching performances. He will surely go down as one of the best players Chelsea’s development structures have produced in recent years.
The Portsmouth-born start created the assist for Germany’s Kai Haverts in the 2020/2021 UEFA Champions League final against 2020/2021 Barclays Premiership Champions, Manchester City.
Jadon Sancho – England (21)
The Old-Trafford linked star is the most talked-about young forwards in the game and he is definitely one of England’s poster boys alongside PFA Young Player of The Year winner Phil Foden. Having already scored 36 goals and registered 40 assists with Borrusia Dortmund in two seasons, the German giants value their starlet over £90 million pounds.
Phil Foden – England (21)
Despite his young age, Foden has already won 11 major trophies with Guardiola’s Manchester City. The 21-year-old is surely leaving a dream at Manchester from being a ball-boy to one of the best young talents in world football.
It is fair to say the 2020/2021 season, was Foden’s breakthrough season with the 2020/2021 Barclays Premier League Champions.
The 2020/2021 PFA Young Player of the Year has already been tipped to reach his full-potential under Pep Guardiola who is well known for the 2009 Barcelona that won 6 titles with the likes of Xavi Hernandes, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Thiery Henry and Samuel Eto’o, to name a few.
Pedri Gonzalez – Spain (18)
Pedri is without a doubt the star for the future having already established himself as a regular starter at Barcelona. Pedri has already been compared to Spain’s Andres Iniesta who is known for his famous goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa against Netherlands.
The 18-year-old’s playing style has already caught the world’s attention as there are huge expectations on the Barceloa starlet.
Kai Haverts – Germany (22)
Despite having a poor season with the Stamford Bridge based-outfit, Kai Haverts scored the goal that gave Chelsea their second UEFA Champions League title.
The 22-year-old is also The Blues most expensive player in their history when Chelsea opted to activate his £70 million buy-out clause from Bayern Leverkusen.
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