da fezbet: Some seriously talented teenagers are looking to announce themselves to the world as they prepare for this summer's tournament in Germany
da winzada777: Euro 2024 is now just a matter of days away, with fans and players from around the continent buzzing with excitement ahead of what promises to be a thrilling tournament. As always, one of the biggest reasons for that enthusiasm is the prospect of young players emerging and making a name for themselves on the biggest stage.
Plenty of prodigies will be on show in Germany this summer, with some set to play key roles for teams that are expected to challenge for the title in the coming weeks. But who should you be watching out for and getting to know ahead of the big kick-off on June 14?
GOAL is here to give you the lowdown on the top teenage talents (born 2005 or later) to watch out for at this summer's Euros…
Getty ImagesArda Guler (Turkey)
Dubbed 'The Turkish Messi' when he broke into the Fenerbahce first team back in 2022, Arda Guler is likely to carry the weight of his nation on his shoulders at future tournaments. For now, however, the Euros will be seen as an opportunity for the 19-year-old to gather some valuable experience of top-level international football.
Guler left Fenerbahce last summer, and joined Real Madrid in a deal worth an initial €20 million (£17m/$22m) as Los Blancos beat rivals Barcelona to the forward's signature. The teenager's debut campaign was largely ruined by injury, however, as he was limited to just 12 first-team appearances.
A confident playmaker who has been likened to Mesut Ozil, Guler was still able to make his mark at Santiago Bernabeu before the season was out, as he scored six goals in his final seven games of the campaign to show he can be an asset to Carlo Ancelotti next term.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesSemih Kilicsoy (Turkey)
Semih Kilicsoy could have done little more over the course of the campaign to justify earning a spot in Turkey's Euros squad, and the teenager eventually received his maiden call-up ahead of the tournament.
The 18-year-old was one of the breakout stars of the Turkish Super Lig season, as he netted 11 goals for Besiktas after breaking into the first team around the turn of the year, and he was rewarded for his fine form with his first international cap against Italy in a pre-Euros friendly.
A forward who can play anywhere across the frontline, Kilicsoy's agent claims that Manchester City, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are among the clubs keeping tabs on the youngster, and if he gets a chance in Germany this summer, his price tag will only increase.
Getty ImagesKobbie Mainoo (England)
You would have got long odds on Kobbie Mainoo making the England squad at the start of the 2023-24 season, but the Manchester United teenager has enjoyed a meteoric rise since making his full Premier League debut in November, and could now even start for the Three Lions this summer.
The 19-year-old has not looked overawed by much since nailing down a regular starting spot at Old Trafford, and enjoyed two excellent showings against Brazil and Belgium after earning his first international call-up in March, which cemented his status as a genuine option for Gareth Southgate.
A tempo-setting midfielder who can ghost past opponents and play inch-perfect passes, Mainoo has also shown that he can be a threat in the final third, as highlighted by his winning goal in the FA Cup final in May, as well as stunning strikes against Wolves and Liverpool in the Premier League.
Getty ImagesLeo Sauer (Slovakia)
Leo Sauer may only have two caps to his name heading into the Euros, but the Slovakia winger certainly has the talent to make an impact this summer if he is able to make the cut.
The 18-year-old is coming off a season during which he took his maiden steps with the Feyenoord first team, and though he is yet to make his first start for the Dutch giants, he still scored two goals and provided four assists over the course of the campaign, averaging a direct goal involvement every 45 minutes.
Most comfortable playing off the left-hand side, Sauer became the youngest player to ever represent Slovakia when he made his debut in March, and is definitely one to keep an eye on in Germany.