The 12th edition of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship is all set for kick off. This year, the final tournament will be held in Slovakia between the 5th and 17th of May. 8 nations will battle for the title and it’s predicted to become a very tight battle between some of the best nations in Europe.
The best talents in Italy will compete against the best talents in Croatia. New hot prospects will get their time in the spotlight to increase their reputation and perhaps be snapped up by the best teams in Europe. Professional scouts will have a close eye on the best talents of the tournament.
Check out our list of the ones to watch in the European Under-17 Championship 2013, 5 hot prospects who can claim the title of Golden Player of the Tournament. The hot prospects of European Under-17 Championship will follow in the footpaths of former European Under-17 starlets such as Karim Benzema, Bojan Krkic, Stephan El Shaarawy, Wayne Rooney and Mario Götze, among other.
Alberto Cerri, Striker, Parma
Alberto Cerri is the captain of the Italian Under-17 and can be recognised by the number 9 shirt. He was born in Parma on 6 April 1996. The tall striker earned his professional debut at March 30th 2013, playing 16 minutes against Pescara, thus making him the youngest debutante in Serie A in the history of Parma. He is one of the reasons why the Italy Under-17 side qualified for the final round, as he scored two decisive goals, one against Holland in the 78th minute and the other against Norway.
Alen Halilovi?, Attacking Midfielder, Dinamo Zagreb
He was born on the 18th of June 1996 in Dubrovnik and is regarded as a remarkable hot prospect. The 170cm tall elegant attacking midfielder became the youngest ever goalscorer in the Croatian First Division. The young wonderkid has recorded 2 goals in 16 appearances for Dinamo. He has also featured in the UEFA Champions League this season. A remarkable talented player, with a fierce left foot. He is a free-kick specialist and can be compared to Lionel Messi!
Fran Brodic, Striker, Dinamo Zagreb
The lethal striker, born 8th January 1997, is regarded as the most hot prospect in Croatia. The new wonderkid has been followed by the best teams in the world. He got his professional debut for Dinamo Zagreb on 14th April 2013 and beat Alen Halilovic in becoming the youngest ever player for the first team of Dinamo. Fran Brodic has recorded 4 assists and 2 goals in 5 appearances and has been the most important player for the Croatian Under-17 side’s qualification to the final round of the European Championship 2013.
Valentino Lazaro, Attacking Midfielder, FC Red Bull Salzburg
The elegant midfielder is regarded as one of the brightest Austrian talents. The 180cm tall, hot prospect of Greek and Angolan origin is contracted to FC Red Bull Salzburg. He got his professional debut at the start of November 2012 where he substituted Valon Beisha, the older brother of Veton Berisha who is described as one of the best talents in Norwegian Premier League. The Austrian technical attacking midfielder wears the number 10 shirt and could be compared to Zinedine Zidane because of his excellent passes and flick ons.
Federico Bonazzoli, Striker, Inter Milan
He is regarded as one of the best Italian talents coming through the Nerazzurri academy. In the last couple of weeks, he has trained with the first team of Inter Milan. The left footed striker is remarkably lethal. Federico Bonazzoli scored a hat-trick against Lichtenstein in only 10 minutes! He is one of the youngest talents in the tournament, but is definitely one to watch as he could become one of the best Italian strikers ever!
