Top 5 Promising Young Stars to Watch in the Euro 2024 Knockout Stage

Major tournaments like Euro 2024 provide a perfect opportunity for young stars to prove themselves and pave the way for their future development according to their potential.

Euro 2024 has reached its halfway mark with the group stage completed. This year’s tournament has served as a launching pad for many young talents to showcase their skills and establish their names in one of the most competitive and prestigious football stages in the world. The upcoming knockout rounds will continue to offer these young stars a platform to shine and help their teams achieve their goals.

Here are the top 5 young stars expected to make a significant impact in the rest of this year’s Euros:

1. Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Lamine Yamal is having an unforgettable Euro in the Spanish jersey. He broke records by becoming the youngest player to appear in Euro history, proving that “talent doesn’t wait for age” by securing a starting spot for “La Roja” and consistently troubling defenses with his speed and outstanding technical skills.

The 16-year-old forward is just one goal away from breaking the record for the youngest scorer in Euro history, a record held by Johan Vonlanthen for the past two decades.

2. Riccardo Calafiori (Italy)

In a tournament where the defending champions Italy have not been convincing, Riccardo Calafiori has been the standout player, playing a crucial role in helping the “Azzurri” escape danger and secure a spot in the knockout stage.

His flowing hair reminiscent of Alessandro Nesta, impressive physique, speed as a former left-back, solid defense, and ball progression skills have garnered significant attention from major clubs.

3. Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

Like Calafiori, Xavi Simons has blossomed in an otherwise lackluster Dutch squad during the group stage. His exceptional technical skills and innate tactical vision have illuminated the midfield.

What Xavi Simons needs now is hope – hope that the “Oranje” attack will be sharper and more clinical in the remainder of the tournament.

4. Kobbie Mainoo (England)

Among the names listed, Mainoo has had the least game time, making two appearances from the bench, including 45 minutes in the second half against Slovenia in the final group match.

Despite limited minutes, the 19-year-old has shown his potential by recovering the ball smartly, positioning himself well, and ensuring his teammates receive the ball in optimal positions, as noted by former player Alan Shearer.

With manager Gareth Southgate struggling to find a suitable partner for Declan Rice as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher have not impressed, Mainoo may be given more opportunities to play.

5. Bradley Barcola (France)

Barcola is likely to have limited playing time in the knockout stage due to France’s star-studded attack and the high stakes of knockout matches that discourage coach Didier Deschamps from taking too many risks.

However, with France’s attack having scored only one goal from a Kylian Mbappe penalty, and the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Marcus Thuram underperforming, the youthful dynamism and unpredictability of Bradley Barcola could be considered to rejuvenate “Les Bleus”.