The 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship kicks off on Wednesday, with the Czech Republic hosting the tournament, and we’ve taken a look at 10 young stars to keep an eye out for throughout the competition.
Have a read below of the starlets CaughtOffside thinks could impress this summer, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool youngsters…
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William Carvalho – Portugal and Sporting
The 23-year-old is one of the big names of the tournament after impressing at last summer’s World Cup in Brazil for the senior Portugal side. Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of the striker, and inspired performances in the Czech Republic could tempt the Arsenal manager into making an offer.
Max Meyer – Germany and Schalke 04
Meyer is one of the most exciting young talents in Germany’s ranks, and he could be key in helping his country to their first European U21 championship title since Sami Khedira captained the side to success in 2009. The attacking midfielder is a danger around the box and his confidence to skip past players under pressure should make the 19-year-old a joy to watch this summer.
Tomas Kalas – Czech Republic and Chelsea
Like many of Jose Mourinho’s youngsters, the future is bleak at Stamford Bridge, with continued loan spells an inevitability. Kalas has made just two Premier League starts since moving to west London in 2010, but caught the eye in the second-half of the season on loan at Middlesborough. The right-back will be out to make an impression on his Blues manager in the Championships.
Harry Kane – England and Tottenham Hotspur
The striker earned his first call up to the senior Three Lions squad in March, but Gareth Southgate will be delighted to have the Spurs marksman in his tournament’s squad. The 21-year-old was a revelation at White Hart Lane last season, but it will be interesting to see whether Kane could suffer from fatigue in the Czech Republic.
Emre Can – Germany and Liverpool
The versatile midfielder – also capable of playing in central defence and full-back – has won plenty of supporters at Anfield, despite the Reds’ miserable campaign. The 21-year-old is confident on the ball and coped with the pressure of being handed a variety of positions by Brendan Rodgers throughout his debut season. Liverpool need to feel the void left by talisman Steven Gerrard, and an impressive tournament could see his club manager hand him a starring role on Merseyside.
Serge Gnabry – Arsenal and Germany
In the 2013-14 season, the midfielder impressed at the Emirates and his performances suggested that he could have a long-term future in Arsene Wenger’s side. Injury, however, has seen his progress sadly halted. The 19-year-old will be out to remind supporters this summer of his ability and mental strength to return to fitness.
Danny Ings – England and Liverpool
The former Burnley forward sealed a free transfer to Liverpool earlier this month, and certainly has a lot to prove ahead of his arrival at Anfield. There has been mixed reactions from Reds supporters to the 22-year-old’s confirmed move, but if there’s one thing that could silence any critics at Liverpool this summer – it’s goals.
Andreas Christensen – Denmark and Chelsea
Blues manager Jose Mourinho and club captain John Terry are both said to be admirers of the Danish defender, believing he has a long-term future at Stamford Bridge. The 19-year-old made his Premier League debut on the final game of the champions’ season against Sunderland, and his reputation is continuing to grow in England’s top flight.
Tiago Llori – Portugal and Liverpool
This summer could have a significant impact on the defender’s Anfield future; with Brendan Rodgers considering offloading the youngster when he returns from the summer’s tournament. The Reds parted with a sizeable £7m for his signature in September 2013, and he is yet to convince his manager that he could be ready for first-team action on Merseyside. An impressive tournament, therefore, could persuade Liverpool not to sell.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen – Germany and Barcelona
The Barca stopper has enjoyed a stunning season at the Camp Nou – helping the Spanish giants to seal La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League glory. It’s incredible to think that a Champions League winner is competing in the U21 championships. The 23-year-old will be full of confidence and will surely be in inspired form this summer.
