Euro 2020: 5 players who could have breakthrough campaigns

Euro 2020 could see the coming of age of several young players.
Euro 2020 could see the coming of age of several young players.

UEFA Euro 2020 is all set to start after a one-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With teams being able to name 26-member squads, that has given national team managers the opportunity to name some young exciting talents.

There are some talented young players who will take part in Euro 2020. Like at any major international tournament, there is a good chance that a few of them could make an impact at Euro 2020. Kylian Mbappe's excellent run in the 2018 FIFA World Cup is one such example.

Also Read: Fabrizio Romano’s Transfer Roundup: Update on Lionel Messi’s contract, Chelsea’s plan for the summer, and more.

On that note, let's take a look at five players who could announce themselves at UEFA Euro 2020.


#1 Jeremy Doku (Belgium)

Jeremy Doku
Jeremy Doku

Jeremy Doku may have endured a quiet first season with Rennes. But the forward is capable of causing problems to opposing defences with his dribbling prowess and blistering pace.

The 19-year old joined Rennes from Anderlecht last summer for £23.4 million. Doku made 26 starts in Ligue 1, scoring two goals and providing three assists. The forward was predominantly used on the right wing but is also able to play on the left.

Liverpool were said to be heavily interested in signing Doku before he joined Rennes.

The Belgium international has had seven caps to his name, scoring two goals. With Eden Hazard's persistent injury issues, Doku might get a chance to make a mark at Euro 2020.


Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Update on Lionel Messi's Barcelona future, Chelsea's plan for the summer and more.


#2 Alexander Isak (Sweden)

Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

With Zlatan Ibrahimovic not named in Sweden's squad for Euro 2020, it is likely Alexander Isak will lead the line for his country at the tournament.

Limited opportunities with Borussia Dortmund saw Isak join Real Sociedad in 2019 on a £5.8 million transfer. The 21-year old was in excellent form for the La Liga side this season, making 30 league starts and scoring 17 goals. A tall striker with good finishing ability, Isak has been linked with a return to Borussia Dortmund, while Barcelona are also said to be interested in his services.

Sweden have named some talented young players in their Euro 2020 squad, including Juventus' Dejan Kulusevski and Bologna's Mattias Svanberg. Isak, though, could make the biggest impact for Janne Andersson's team.

Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for the Netherlands | UEFA Euro 2020.

#3 Pedri (Spain)

Pedri
Pedri

Spain manager Luis Enrique has named only 24 out of a possible 26 players in their Euro 2020 squad. So there will be pressure on the manager and the players to perform.

Pedri was one of the best young players in the game last season after the 18-year-old joined Barcelona from Las Palmas last summer. While there is no denying his talent, few would have expected him to make the impact he had during the 2020-21 campaign.

Utilised in midfield as well as in attack, the Spain international made 28 La Liga starts for Barcelona, scoring three goals and providing as many assists. Capped four times by Spain, Pedri is likely to be used extensively by Enrique at Euro 2020, where a good campaign would see his stock go through the roof.


#4 Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham

A year ago, Jude Bellingham was playing in the Championship for Birmingham City and was nowhere near the England senior team.

Now, the 17-year old is in the Three Lions' squad for Euro 2020 after an excellent campaign for Borussia Dortmund in 2020-21. Bellingham was excellent in midfield for the Bundesliga giants, making 19 league starts, scoring one goal and providing three assists.

Jude Bellingham has been capped three times by England. While it is unlikely he would start ahead of Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson and Mason Mount in the England midfield at Euro 2020, Bellingham's impact off the bench could be decisive.

Also Read: Strongest possible starting XI for Germany | UEFA Euro 2020.


#5 Ryan Gravenberch (Netherlands)

Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch

Questions surround the Netherlands team, and criticism has been aimed at manager Frank de Boer after some poor performances. De Boer's squad selection for Euro 2020 cannot be criticised, though.

The inclusion of Ryan Gravenberch is a step in the right direction, with the 19-year old deserving of the call-up after a good season with Eredivisie giants Ajax. Gravenberch made 31 starts in the league, scoring three goals and providing five assists.

An excellent passer and strong in the air, the Netherlands international could be an interesting alternative in the Oranje midfield at Euro 2020. Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool are all said to be tracking the youngster. Gravenberch has made four international appearances for the Oranje.


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