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Euro 2020 is one of the biggest international tournaments in the world and it is a stage where history is made and new heroes are born. The tournament offers a chance for youngsters and veterans alike to stand up and get noticed. It is also an opportunity for players to raise their stocks ahead of the upcoming club season.
The spotlight will naturally fall on the established stars but it's impossible to predict who is going to pop up and steal it over the course of the tournament. Some players reserve their best for the big occasion. The high-profile nature of the competition tends to bring out the best in competitive individuals.
Euro 2020 features plenty of underrated young individuals who could make a mark
We have seen several lesser-known individuals have breakout campaigns at the European championships in the past. Russia's Andre Arshavin in 2008, Portugal's Joao Moutinho in 2012 and Renato Sanches in 2016 are all prime examples.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five players who could secure big-money moves after Euro 2020.
#5 Domenico Berardi - Italy
Sassuolo copped back-to-back 8th placed finishes in Serie A in the last two seasons. Winger Domenico Berardi has been one of their most important players and he has been stacking up some incredible numbers in the Italian top flight.
The 26-year-old scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in 30 appearances for Sassuolo in the 2020-21 Serie A season. Berardi took Serie A by storm in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons. But a subsequent dip in form had seen him get written off in plenty of circles.
However, Berardi seems to have resurrected his career and has now started both of Italy's games at Euro 2020. His dynamic display has certainly helped the Azzurri and he was involved in all three of their goals in the opening match against Turkey.
He turned in another impressive performance in Italy's 3-0 thrashing of Switzerland. Berardi's excellent run down the right side and cut-back set up Locatelli for Italy's first goal of the game.
This Italian side is brimming with talent and Euro 2020 could be the tournament where Berardi finally gets the adulation he deserves.
#4 Denzel Dumfries - Netherlands
PSV Eindhoven right-back Denzel Dumfries has already made an impression at Euro 2020. He played a starring role in their exciting 3-2 win over Ukraine in their first game of the competition. Dumfries started as right wing-back and made his presence known with some excellent forays into the final third.
A surging run and cross from the 25-year-old paved the way for the Netherlands' first goal of the night. He played a hand in their second as well before scoring an 85th minute winner for Frank De Boer's men with a lovely header.
He has made his presence known on both sides of the pitch but it is his attacking abilities that have stood out. Dumfries regularly makes late runs into the box and keeps the opposition full-back occupied.
He has already been linked with Bayern Munich. If he can keep up his form for the rest of the tournament, PSV Eindhoven will be happy to spark a bidding war for him.
#3 Patrik Schick - Czech Republic
Patrik Schick has already become one of the stars of the opening phase of the tournament. Schick scored two goals as the Czech Republic beat Scotland 2-0. His second from 49.7 yards out, with which he broke the record for the longest goal ever scored at the Euros, could very well go on to be the goal of the tournament.
It was a redeeming moment for Schick on an individual level. The 25-year-old striker was sent off in Czech Republic's World Cup Qualifier loss against Wales less than three months ago for hitting Tyler Roberts in the face.
Schick has a growing reputation as a great finisher and enjoyed a decent season with Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 13 goals and providing two assists from 36 appearances across all competitions. He has scored 13 goals in 27 appearances for his national side and going by the way he has started, we could see a new star in the m at Euro 2020.
#2 Kalvin Philips - England
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips was England's unlikely hero in their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia. Phillips had a strong season with Leeds United and was one of the best defensive midfielders of the 2020-21 Premier League season.
Phillips is one of the most improved players at Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa. But for Gareth Southgate's men at Euro 2020, he seems to be playing a role different to the one he is used to at Leeds. He is no longer just a sweeper but a bustling box-to-box midfielder whose creative abilities were on show against Croatia.
Of all the players who started for England against Croatia, Phillips was the only one who received plaudits from all around. Leeds United will be desperate to keep Phillips but if he kicks on in the same vein, they will have big clubs queuing up outside their doors with fat cheques.
#1 Manuel Locatelli - Italy
Italy have always been one of the dominant forces in European football. Their recent decline has worried fans. But with a unit that has looked stronger than it ever has in recent years, Italy have already qualified for the knockout stages.
They have registered back-to-back 3-0 wins over Turkey and Switzerland and a certain Manuel Locatelli was their standout player in both games. The Sassuolo midfielder was the pick of the lot in the first game against the Turks. He improved on that in their second outing and bagged a brace to beat Switzerland in comprehensive fashion.
The 23-year-old thrives as a deep-lying playmaker but can play anywhere across midfield. He is excellent with the ball at his feet and possesses incredible vision. He is also relentless when out of possession and has great spatial awareness and intelligence which enables him to break up play on a consistent basis.
Locatelli is already being linked with European giants like Juventus and Arsenal. He is one of the players who is almost certain to cop a big-money move at the end of Euro 2020.
