Contents
1
Lewis Holtby – Tottenham
The silky playmaker is the beat of this talented young German side. The son of a British soldier, Holtby is a self-confessed Evertonian, and has done well for Spurs in the short time he has been there. One of the most experienced and key players at the tournament, he captains Germany for a reason.
2
Isco – Malaga
The young Spaniard shot to prominence alongside Thiago of Barcelona in the last two seasons. Widely expected to join Manchester City for a huge fee this summer. A product of the famous Valencia conveyer belt, he never made the grade and what is certainly Valencias loss, is Malaga’ gain.
3 Thiago – Barcelona
Having been a star name for the last couple of years, the young star has already clocked up over 50 Barcelona appearances, and scored a spectacular 40-yard free-kick in the previous edition of the Euro U-21 Championships. Seen as a successor in the Barcelona midfield, he is one of the worlds best young players.
4
Adam Maher – AZ
Like every generation of Dutch players, there is always a crown jewel. And despite the talents of other Dutch players in the squad, Maher looks like he could become a top tier player in the coming years. Already getting too good for the Eredivisie, the youngster is on the wish list of many big name European clubs, including Liverpool if reports are to be believed. The fulcrum of a team full of senior international caps, Maher has started the tournament in fine form.
5
Lorenzo Insigne – Napoli
Having enjoyed an outstanding season in Serie B two years ago at Pescara, the youngster returned to Napoli in 2012-13 and shone. Already with the European vultures swooping down to have a closer look, Insigne showed his potential by running the show against a fancied England side in the opening match day, scoring a fantastic free-kick.
6 Kevin Strootman – PSV
With multiple caps to his name already for the senior side, the PSV Captain is one of the most coveted players in world football at present. Powerful, with a great range of passing, and immense composure on the ball, the young Strootman is sure to become a fixture for one of the biggest teams in Europe, given time to progress and another year in Holland.
7 Jordy Clasie – Feyenoord
With such a wealth of senior experience in the squad this year – the starting eleven against Germany all had senior caps – it is no surprise to see so many Dutch players in the list. Clasie came to the fore in 11-12, where he starred for a resurgant Feyenoord side, and continued his development with an outstanding season tis year. Seen as similair to Barcelona star Xavi, he can dictate play and rarely misses a pass, or makes the wrong decision. He is another destined for something special.
8
Alan Dzagoev – CSKA Moscow
Joint top-scorer at the senior Euros in 2012, Russia have arguably the most experienced player at the tournament. With already over 100+ senior games, as well as Champions League experience, the young Russian is seen as one of the key playmakers in the tournament. He offers goals, creativity, technique and composure, and is a key part of the senior side, nevermind the Under-21s.
9 Sebastian Rode – Eintracht Frankfurt
A tenacious bull-dog of a midfielder, Sebastian Rode has seen his progress matched this season by call-ups to this tournament, following an outstanding season with Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. The young German has since signed a deal with Bayern Munich, and looks set to become part of one of the most powerful sides in recent history. Tenacious, accurate and brave, he is one to watch in the German midfield.
10 Patrick Herrmann – Borussia Monchengladbach
The young star who replaced Marco Reus at Gladbach, he has taken the mantle of goalscorer and talisman very seriously. The young German has put in a sensational Bundesliga season, and has been spoken about for senior call-ups soon. Being looked at by a series of clubs, the youngster could very well go on to match the recognition and talent of his predecesor, Reus of Dortmund.