Best under-23 XI of Euro 2020

Many bright and precocious young talents lit up Euro 2020 with eye-catching performances.
Many bright and precocious young talents lit up Euro 2020 with eye-catching performances.

Right Winger: Federico Chiesa (Italy)

Federico Chiesa scored two key goals for Italy at Euro 2020.
Federico Chiesa scored two key goals for Italy at Euro 2020.

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 was a revelation for Portugal at the Euros once again.
Renato Sanches was a revelation for Portugal at the Euros once again.

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)

Declan Rice is likely to be a starter for England for years to come.
Declan Rice is likely to be a starter for England for years to come.

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)

Pedri was the best young player by a mile at Euro 2020.
Pedri was the best young player by a mile at Euro 2020.

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 scored the only free-kick of Euro 2020.
Mikkel Damsgaard scored the only free-kick of Euro 2020.

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.

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