With the summer tournament only days away, we take a look at some of the most exciting youngsters on display
We decided to focus only on players 21 years old or younger appearing at the Euros. This means the likes of Mason Mount and Dayot Upamecano don't make the list despite being fantastic young players. Some other great youngsters are sadly missing out due to injury, such as Ansu Fati of Spain. With the preamble out of the way, lets get on with the list.
Phil Foden (21)
"Stockport Iniesta" as he is lovingly referred to by Manchester City fans has had another memorable season in his fledgling career. He came up with pivotal goals and top performances early in the season when his side were faltering and arguably dragged them to many points almost single-handedly. All told, he contributed 10 goals and 15 assists across 50 appearances in all competitions for his club in 2020/21, on his way to winning the Premier League and EFL Cup. He's scored two goals in six games for England and despite having very few caps he is tipped to star for his country this summer.
Joao Felix (21)
The Portuguese sensation often gets forgotten in these lists because he's such a household name already but believe it or not he is still only 21 years old. Felix just helped Atletico Madrid break the Madrid-Barcelona stranglehold on La Liga, winning his first trophy outside of his native country. He scored 10 goals and assisted 6 in 40 games for Los Colchoneros in that campaign. His pace and quality make him a real headache for opposition defences and in a front line consisting of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota, you can bet he's going to have some fun with Portugal at the Euros.
⭐ The stars of Euro 2020: Joao Felix ⭐
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) June 9, 2021
Benfica under-17 coach: “I remember being in shock after his first training session with us”
At the start of 2019 he'd played just nine senior games - now he's the fourth-most expensive player ever... #POR
📝 @TimSpiers @MarkCarey93
Ferran Torres (21)
Foden's teammate at Man City Ferran Torres has proven to be an extremely shrewd signing for Pep Guardiola's side. At only €23m he's been an absolute steal in today's economic climate. Initially bought as a winger, his performances all across the front line for City have impressed Spain coach Luis Enrique who now seems to be considering Torres as a striking option for the Euros. He's chipped in with 13 goals and 3 assists from only 36 appearances this season and could be invaluable to Spain over the coming weeks. He already has 6 goals from 11 games for his country, including a hat trick in their 6-0 thumping of Germany last November.
Kai Havertz (21)
It's been a difficult first season at Chelsea since the German's move from Bayer Leverkusen, but since the arrival of his compatriot Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge his fortunes have improved. He's contributed a respectable 9 goals and 9 assists from 45 appearances, including the winner over Manchester City in the Champions League Final. At 21, he still has tonnes of potential to unlock but could be a very useful option for his country as they try to navigate The Group of Death.
Pedri (18)
It may be too soon to dub Pedri the heir-apparent to Andres Iniesta but the similarities are hard to ignore. In a breakthrough season at the Nou Camp, the youngster has become a vital part of Ronald Koeman's side. He shows intelligence and composure beyond his years and his ability to progress with the ball is second to none. With the right runners in behind, he can deliver defence-splitting passes which are a joy to behold. Despite only getting his debut in March, if given the opportunity, the 18-year-old could have a real impact for Spain at the Euros.
Pedri is the only player in history to play 50+ games for Barcelona in a single season while still a teenager. pic.twitter.com/raFnQMoQpM
— adil (@Barca19stats) June 7, 2021
Bukayo Saka (19)
Gareth Southgate will be thrilled to know that Saka's injury scare turned out to be nothing serious. The Arsenal youngster shone in England's 1-0 friendly win over Austria, causing havoc for the opposition defence from wide positions and scoring his first England goal in the process. There had been concerns after a hip injury ruled him out of their 1-0 win over Romania but those have been allayed and it is believed he will be fighting fit for the tournament. In another wretched season for The Gunners, Saka has been the shining light. He scored 7 goals and got 10 assists for a struggling side, while often playing in less advanced positions than some of his counterparts on this list. England fans were very impressed with his performance against Austria and will hope to see more of him this summer.
Jude Bellingham (17)
The youngest name on the list but probably the most dependable, Jude Bellingham is a freak of nature. Many scoffed when Birmingham City retired his number 22 shirt but as he is likely to become the best player the club ever produced - barring serious injury - they won't be laughing in 30 years time. It's difficult to comprehend just how mature and commanding a presence Bellingham is on the pitch at such a young age. He's become an integral part of Borussia Dortmund's side, playing 46 times for them this season. He never seems overawed by any occasion. He looked out-of-this-world in the Champions League against Manchester City, he's shone in an England shirt. He's not one for the future, he's one for right now.
'He is, along with Foden and Sancho, fearless.'
— Off The Ball (@offtheball) June 9, 2021
Is Jude Bellingham the brightest young star in the England squad? | 🏴@GilletteUK | #MadeOfWhatMatters
Full chat ➡️ https://t.co/HK1GzJiuzW pic.twitter.com/2ocYzOhHY5
Pedro Neto (21)
If he can get into Portugal's astounding front line, 21 year old Pedro Neto can make an impact. He scored 5 goals and assisted 6 more in 31 Premier League appearances for Wolves this season. Despite his young age, he's been an almost ever present in the side. Unfortunately it's been a tough campaign for the Black Country outfit and that has limited his ability to show more. He scored on his debut for Portugal last November and manager Fernando Santos certainly sees a lot in him but will he get a chance to break through onto the pitch during this tournament? He'll have to beat off some stiff competition if he's to get a starting place.
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