Poland hosted a successful U-21 Euro competition where the continent's next generation of stars fought for the coveted title. The tournament went Germany's way as a Mitchell Weiser header sealed the title for Die Mannschaft for the first time since 2009.
Spain were the favourites going into the final but the young side could not find a way past a solid German defence.
The tournament turned out to be a roaring success with many emerging youngsters making their name on the world stage, meaning they are now on course to securing big money moves. England and Italy made it to the semifinals while Portugal scored the most goals in their group but failed to make it to the top four.
Also read: 5 world class players who first impressed at the U-21 European Championship
In this piece, we pick out the five best performers from the UEFA U-21 Euros conducted in Poland:
#5 Julian Pollersbeck - Germany
The Hamburg custodian is considered one of the brightest talents to emerge from Germany in recent years and he proved that in the Euros with some stellar showings. Pollersbeck was brilliant with his feet in the entire competition and made some fine saves in Germany's run to the title.
His best performance came against England in the penalty shootout where he saved two decisive spot-kicks to take his side home. Interestingly, Pollersbeck had hidden notes in his socks during the penalty shootout which he later revealed helped him make the saves.
#4 Federico Bernardeschi - Italy
The winger has a reputation for being a big-game player in the Serie A and he carried that into Poland as well. Italy's captain and major creative force, Bernardeschi guided the young Azzurri to the semis. Bernardeschi scored the winner against Germany which helped Italy top their group and then scored his side’s only goal against Spain in a 3-1 loss.
Bernardeschi scored 13 goals in all competitions for La Viola last season and is on course to becoming a star. The likes of Manchester United and Juventus are already taking note of the young winger. He can play anywhere along the front line and is a future leader, with the Euros enhancing his reputation and value in the transfer market.
#3 Dani Ceballos - Spain
The outspoken midfielder has had his fair share of off-field issues in the past but the Euros saw him at his utter best on it. Ceballos was on the bench for the first game against Macedonia but played a crucial role against Portugal in the next game. However, he truly captured the attention of the masses with his sensational display against Italy.
Although Saul scored a hat-trick, it was Ceballos who controlled proceedings in the midfield, resulting in him winning the Player of the Tournament award. Ceballos tracked back, dictated the play and also surged forward, beating the entire Italian defence on one occasion with his dribbling ability.
He was solid in the final as well but could not spark a comeback for the Spaniards. His brilliant displays in midfield have sparked off a bidding war between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, who are both vying for Ceballos' signature.
#2 Jeremy Toljan - Germany
Toljan came into this tournament as one of the most experienced youngsters, having played more than 50 matches for TSC Hoffenheim. He was right on the money from the first minute and was absolutely colossal in Germany's backline. Toljan covered the most distance by any player in the event and also delivered three assists - the best tally in the Euros.
Toljan is known for his attacking qualities and is often compared to Dani Alves, however, he needs to cut out the errors from the defensive side of his game. Chelsea's Antonio Conte is a big fan of the fullback and after an effective showing in the Euros, many more managers will take note of Hoffenheim's budding 22-year-old.
#1 Saul Niguez - Spain
One of Europe's most exciting talents and Spain's most experienced campaigner, Saul Niguez produced a scintillating show against Italy in the semi-finals where he banged in three goals to take Spain into yet another final.
Having already played a full season for Atletico and represented the Spanish senior side, Saul used all his experience against the teams in Poland. Saul deservingly won the Golden Boot for his five goals in the tournament and at times, played like a man possessed.
