With the U21 European Championships set to kick off, I thought I'd take a look at the top 10 players to keep an eye out for during the tournament, mainly from some of the lesser countries but a few you may have heard of prior to the show kicking off.
Connor Wickham
ENG - Striker
Ipswich striker Connor Wickham won't be first choice for England, but he's one of the main players to look out for for me. The 6ft 3 18 year old forward will offer his England team a different option when necessary, and without doubt has the potential to be a real match winner for England. With 9 goals to his name this season from a wide left position for Ipswich, he's a real goal threat and certainly one to look out for.
Andriy Yarmolenko
URK - Left Wing/Striker
This exciting young forward currently plies his trade at Dyanmo Kiev and had a blistering campaign coming into this competition. He bagged 15 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions in just his second full season of first team football and looks ready to tear through the defences in this tournament. With his excellent left foot, he's definitely one to keep an eye out for in this summers competition.
Jan Moravek
CZE - Attacking Midfielder
21 year old attacking midfielder Moravek is Czech Republic's key man in attack this summer, having already earned 2 full international caps for his country. Currently playing for Schalke, Moravek spent last season on loan at Kaiserslautern. He scored 5 goals in his spell at the club and got 2 assists in his 29 games. He'll be the main man for Czech and his link up play with Vaclav Kadlec could be key if the Czech's are to get any success.
Francois Affolter
SUI - Centre Back
Standing at 6ft 2, Francois Affolter is Switzerland's mean defender. A no nonsense centre half, who is also content playing as a full back on either flank - this kid is the base around how Switzerland begin most moves and end most opposition attacks. A key player for Young Boys last season, making 49 appearances in all, he's one to look out for.
Bojan Krkic
ESP - Striker
Probably the hottest property in the tournament this summer, Bojan is one of the most lethal finishers in world football for his age. A product of Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, he is Spain's first choice striker and will be their main goal threat. Already on the fringes of the Barcelona team and senior national side he is most definitely one to watch, not only over the duration of this tournament, but for the next few years too.
Tomas Pekhart
CZE - Striker
Tomas Pekhart will be well known by Spurs fans, for his dire 3 year spell at White Hart Lane. However, since he left he has gone on to establish himself as a goal machine for Czech Republic's U21 side and at club level too. With 19 goals in 29 games at club level this season he has been on fire, and has recently signed a deal to take him to Nurnberg in Germany from July 1st. He's odds on to win the Golden Boot at this tournament and will be key to any success the Czech Republic gain at this competition.
Johann Gudmundsson
ICE - Winger
Iceland's second most recognised played at this tournament, Johann is a winger currently plying his trade in the Eredivise for AZ Alkmaar. The 20 year old played 34 games this season for the Dutch club, bagging 4 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. His supply will be key for Iceland if they stand any chance of progressing to the semi-finals.
Iker Muniain
ESP - Winger/Striker
Only 18 years of age, Iker Muniain has been around for a long time. A starter at Athletic Bilbao, the Basque player is a fan favourite among Bilbao and Spain fans. Known for his blistering speed and eye for goal, he could be a real game changer for Spain if needed, as he doesn't usually start games. Impact player for Spain, but definitely one to watch.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
ICE - Central Midfielder
Known for scoring screamers, and playing eye catching passes, former Reading man Gylfi Sigurdsson is without doubt the main man for Iceland this summer. A superb talent, now at Hoffenheim he carries his nations hopes of success on his shoulders, and it's almost certain that all things good about Icelandic team in this competition. Always with a blockbuster in his locker, beware of something spectacular when he's within 35 yards of goal. A fantastic season in Germany this year with 12 goals in 39 games and 5 assists show exactly what he's all about.
Christian Eriksen
DEN - Central Midfielder
Ajax ace Eriksen burst onto the international stage against England at Wembley in a senior international last year. He ran the show from the centre, and since then everyone's eyes have been on him. Creative, skilful, agile, quick and with a superb eye for a pass - he has all the key attributes to make a phenomenal playmaker in the future. Denmark's main threat, and without doubt their number 1 man this summer.
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There you have it. That's my Top 10 Players to watch at this summers U21 European Championships in Denmark. Do you agree? Is there anyone I've left out? Let me know in the comments below.
DMF.
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