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4. Emre Can
Age: 19
National Team: Germany
Club: Bayern Munich
Position: Midfielder
Germany has a fantastic track record of promoting young players of Turkish descent, most notably from Germany’s last U-21 winning side – Mesut Ozil. Emre Can is another one who has come through from that category, having joined Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich from Eintracht Frankfurt’s youth academy. The midfielder is another one of those rare players still in their teens, but have managed to earn a place in an U-21 side. He recently scored his first goal for the club against Monchengladbach. Being a part of Bayern Munich would be a fantastic opportunity for any player, but with the club establishing themselves as the biggest brand in football, regular opportunities may be hard to come by. The 19-yr-old could take this opportunity in Israel to stamp his authority in first-team football.
3. Jordy Clasie
Age: 21
National Team: Netherlands
Club: Feyernoord
Position: Midfielder
The second Dutch and Feyernoord player to feature on the list, Jordy Clasie is one of the biggest talented midfielders in world football. He has been labelled as the ‘Dutch Xavi’ back in Netherlands which just gives you an idea of his immense ability. Despite being questioned about his physical stature and lack of height, Clasie has established himself at the Eredivisie club. His exploits with Feyernoord even earned him a call-up to the senior side and he has managed to make 5 international appearances, featuring in the Dutch national team’s World Cup qualifiers. Creative midfielders are a joy to watch, and Clasie will be a spearhead in the Dutch team’s U-21 campaign.
2. Daniel Carvajal
Age: 21
National Team: Spain
Club: Bayer Leverkusen / Real Madrid
Position: Right-Back
Dani Carvajal is one of many players to have come through from Real Madrid’s youth academy, making the move to their Castilla side but not being promoted to the first-team. He found a new home in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen in 2012, and has helped the side to a Champions League berth. Real Madrid still retain the right to buy him back based on a clause in his contract, and rumours are they’re set to exercise it this summer. No surprise, as Carvajal put in impressive performances this past season in Germany, and has widely been regarded as the best right-back in 12/13 (beating Philipp Lahm). Not only is he solid at the back, but is a potent threat going forward down the flanks. This could be a revolutionary tournament for the Spaniard, as positive performances could see him earn a starting berth at Real Madrid, and make his way into the top of world football. He too was a part of the U-19 Spanish side that won the European Championship in 2011.
1. Adam Maher
Age: 19
National Team: Netherlands
Club: AZ Alkmaar
Position: Attacking Midfielder
The Moroccan born AZ Alkmaar starlet is just 19 and has already made nearly 100 appearances for his club, to add to the 4 caps he has earned with the national side. It’s a true testament of his ability. The youngster has a smoothness about his play, and he almost flows across the midfield; best being deployed in an advanced role. Although his club had a disappointing league finish, Maher had an incredible season and is en-route to establishing himself as one of the top footballers today. A win in the KNVB Cup allowed Alkmaar qualification into Europe’s second tier competition. But needless to say, Europe’s top clubs will be casting a keen eye on our Top Player to watch out for in the U-21 European Championship.
