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4) Branimir Hrgota – Sweden
Branimir Hrgota certainly knows how to make an introduction. Thrust into the Borussia Mönchengladbach starting lineup for their clash against Mainz 05 after impressing during the previous week, the young Swede, who was just 20 at the time, immediately entered the history books with a brilliant hat-trick on his starting debut in 2013.
In true style, he perfectly showcased his confidence with his opening goal, a cheeky Panenka from the penalty spot that left veteran goalkeeper Heinz Müller red-faced in between the sticks. In the aftermath of that performance, he was a star, with his name suddenly on the lips of Germany’s major newspapers and top pundits.
However, things haven’t been quite as plain sailing since then, and a decreasing amount of game time has left many wondering how much longer he will remain at Stadion im Borussia-Park. Despite this, the 22-year-old has impressed whenever Lucian Favre has given him the nod, and whilst he only managed to score twice in the league last season, he found the back of the net eight times in 10 Europa League appearances.
At a crucial stage in his development, a move away may prove to be in the striker’s interests, and he will also be aiming to have a positive effect on Sweden’s U21 side this summer as they aim to make it to the semi-finals of the competition for the first time since they hosted it in 2009.
5) John Guidetti – Sweden
Youth championships have always acted as the perfect shop window for young, talented footballers looking to further their careers, and that is certainly the case for John Guidetti this summer. After being released by Manchester City at the end of last season, bringing an end to a frustrating seven-year spell at the club in which he failed to make a single league appearance for the senior side, the 23-year-old striker now finds himself without a club for the first time in his career.
A young man of considerable talent, Guidetti has been plagued by injuries that have stifled his development, with a particularly nasty virus leading to an infected nerve that saw him sidelined for almost two years. The debilitating illness sadly came at the end of his best season to date, as he scored 20 goals in 23 appearances for Feyenoord during the 2011/12 campaign.
A lengthy rehabilitation period and an unsuccessful loan spell at Stoke City followed before he finally refound his form at Celtic last season, where he scored 15 goals for the Bhoys. With his injury firmly behind him and his eyes on the future, Guidetti will no doubt be desperate to impress in the Czech Republic this summer as he looks to continue his top-flight journey.
He’s certainly got off to a good start, scoring the first of Sweden’s goals in their opening game win against Italy.
Written by Ben Cullimore
