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European football is blessed with many incredibly talented young players, something that was abundantly evident at Euro 2020 .
Their performances at club level were there for all to see, but these players also performed well on the international stage. Suffice to say, some of them grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Pedri was adjudged the best player under-23 for his stellar performances for Spain, playing a key role in their run to the Euro 2020 semi-final. But he wasn't the only young player to make heads turn.
On that note, let's have a look at the best Under-23 XI at Euro 2020 (Formation used: 3-5-2 for the hypothetical xi).
Honourable mentions: Manuel Locatelli (Italy), Kai Havertz (Germany), Alexander Isak (Sweden), and Christoph Baumgartner (Austria).
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
Could it have been anyone else? Gianluigi Donnarumma was the star of Italy's title-winning night against England, saving two penalties to help the Azzurri win Euro 2020. But the youngster's heroics were there for all to see throughout the tournament.
His composure in tough moments belied his young years. Donnarumma pulled off a brilliant save to deny Kevin De Bruyne in the quarter-finals against Belgium. He used his towering frame to punch balls clear during set-pieces, making 27 such stops at Euro 2020.
The new PSG recruit kept three clean sheets in seven Euro 2020 games - all three shutouts coming in the group stage. Although he was surely helped by a resolute defence in front of him, Donnarumma's contributions in goal cannot be denied, as he conceded only twice from open play (one of which came in regulation time).
It's difficult to believe that Donnarumma is still only 22, and this was his first major international tournament with Italy. At this rate, Donnarumma could achieve many more laurels with the Azzurri.
Centre-back: Illya Zabarnyi (Ukraine)
It's been a whirlwind year for Ukrainian starlet Illya Zabarnyi. He played a starring role for Ukraine at Euro 2020 after a breakout season with Dynamo Kyiv.
The 18-year-old was a rock in Ukraine's defence at Euro 2020, making 14 clearances and ten interceptions. He also demonstrated his aerial prowess by winning four duels.
It was truly an impressive tournament for the youngster.
Centre-back: Eric Garcia (Spain)
He was a peripheral figure at Manchester City last season, but Eric Garcia was not affected by the lack of game time. He instead turned in top-drawer performances for Spain at Euro 2020.
The defender played more passes into the opposition box (23) than any player under the age of 23. That was a testament to his playmaking skills. He also made 15 ball recoveries.
Garcia is tactically astute and has the potential to succeed at the very top. Barcelona have got a real gem on their hands.
Centre-back: Attila Szalai (Hungary)
The loss of Dominik Szoboszlai to injury was a huge blow for Hungary at Euro 2020. Fortunately, manager Marco Rossi was able to call upon another talented young gun, Attila Szalai, who came up clutch for the team at the tournament.
The 23-year-old completed more passes (131) than any other Hungarian player at Euro 2020, a testament to his ball-playing skills. Szalai also timed his runs to perfection and made 13 clearances.
What makes his stats even more impressive is the fact that he registered these numbers against European heavyweights - France, Portugal and Germany.
Right Winger: Federico Chiesa (Italy)
Federico Chiesa featured in all seven games for Italy in their triumphant Euro 2020 campaign. He scored twice in the knockout stage, doing so against Austria and Spain, and created six chances in all.
A livewire down the Italy flanks, Chiesa was almost unbeatable when he ran at opposition defences at full tilt. He completed nine take-ons and distributed the ball excellently, registering an admirable 80% success rate.
Central Midfielder: Renato Sanches (Portugal)
Renato Sanches loves playing at the Euros. He was the breakout star in Portugal's fairytale victory in 2016. But after a decline in fortunes in the next few years, Sanchez found his best form at Euro 2020.
Still only 23, the former Bayern Munich player was key in dictating Portugal's play, laying the most passes (68) in the final third at Euro 2020 than any other Seleccao player.
He showed excellent ball control and was never afraid to run at defences. A true revelation for the dethroned champions, Sanches might be heading towards a big move.
Central Midfielder: Declan Rice (England)
He started his Euro 2020 campaign slowly but eventually grew into it. Declan Rice had an absolute stormer in the final against Italy, suggesting that he wasn't overawed by the big stage.
Rice completed more tackles (14) and interceptions (12) than any English player at Euro 2020. He was a battering ram that broke opposition play while also demonstrating his expansive passing range.
The West Ham star completed ten tackles at Euro 2020 and was a huge threat off the ball too.
Central Midfielder: Pedri (Spain)
UEFA's best young player of Euro 2020, Pedri, was a worthy claimant of the award. The Spanish starlet pulled strings in Spain's midfield with aplomb, giving a glimpse into the future of La Roja.
His immaculate passing is a testament to his vision as he operated brilliantly between the lines. The Barcelona star was also crucial to chance creation for Spain, creating 11 opportunities and 171 final-third passes.
Pedri's talent goes beyond those stats as his composure on the ball, ability to play with either foot and technical skills are a few key attributes that could make him one of the best players in the game.
Left Winger: Mikkel Damsgaard (Denmark)
Mikkel Damsgaard was outstanding for Sampdoria last season and successfully built on his promising displays at Euro 2020 for Denmark.
With six chances created, one assist made and two goals scored - including a magnificent free-kick against England in the semi-final - Damsgaard's stats spoke volumes of his performances at Euro 2020.
Damsgaard brought tremendous energy and youthful exuberance to Kasper Hjulmand's side. He displayed a keen eye for goal and gave opposition defenders plenty to think about, thanks to his electric speed.
He is surely a star in the making.
Striker: Kasper Dolberg (Denmark)
Christian Eriksen is usually Denmark's chief goalscorer. But with the star ruled out of Euro 2020 following a tragic cardiac arrest in the opening game, there was a void that needed to be filled.
In came Kasper Dolberg, a 23-year-old Nice striker who struck thrice for Denmark in the knockout stage to make the world take notice.
His lethal finishing skills and confidence on the ball have caught the eye of a few top European clubs.
Striker: Ferran Torres (Spain)
Ferran Torres was a revelation down the wings at Euro 2020. But it was too difficult to drop him altogether. Hence, we've put him in a striker's role (also because of lack of good choices in this position).
The 21-year-old's pace, creativity and technique - everything was top-notch. He also scored twice for his team (in back-to-back games against Slovakia and Croatia) while also bagging an assist.
Torres was a real menace down the flanks, running at incredible speed with the ball at his feet and capable of going inside or outside his man. He averaged almost one key pass per game.
