Euro 2012:Young players to watch out

Just about 14 days to go for the biggest event in Europe, Euro 2012, to take place. Here is a brief analysis of the young guns who have got it in them to be able to add to their transfer values this tournament.

1.Julian Draxler – Germany:

While the world is going Ga-ga about youngsters like Eriksen and Gotze, this talented youngster has missed most eyes. Currently playing in Schalke and having just turned 18, he really has it in him to make it big. He is a real supply like between the defensive midfielders and the forwards and is not afraid to wiz past the defence or take a long range effort. A sensational Euro will mean big spenders to snap him up for their club.

2. Robert Lewandowski- Poland:

At an age where he is yet to reach his prime, he is the reason why Dortmund has taken the league right under Bayren Munich’s nose. He is a superb finisher and has given the great Bundesliga goalkeepers a run for their money this season. Whats more is that he has both strength and agility to aid him past pacey defenders. He, along with is club and international partner and captain, Jakub Blaszczykowski are bound to connect for some memorable goals.

3.Luuk De Jong- Netherlands:

No words for this 6ft 2 in forward and FC Twente’s prime striker. He is just 21 years old and has been devastating this season prompting his selection into the national squad along with brother and midfielder Siam De Jong. He is a powerful shooter and can take stunning volleys at goals with deadly accuracy and is lethal in one-on-one situations.

4.Kevin Strootman- Netherlands:

Midfielder at PSV, he has earned a repute for being an artistic dribbler and a crafty passer. He has been a regular member of Netherlands’ national squads for U-18, U-19, U-21 and is now competing against the best in Euro. It will be interesting to watch how he makes the defenders his puppets as he goes past to assist strikers.

5.Alan Yelizbarovich Dzagoev- Russia:

Though just 21, he has already become a star in CSKA Moscow. He has redefined the word “Attacking Midfielder” and has been tipped as a star by his captain Andrey Arshavin. What’s great is that besides assisting forwards, he puts his name on the goal sheet too and is a crafty penalty taker. With several big clubs already scouting him, he is a gem to watch out for.

6.Phil Jones-England:

Primarily a center back, he has been molded by SAF to play in any position whatsoever in Manchester United. He has been a terrific box to box defender this season and his clean dispossessing of opponents has been really worth the appreciation this season. At just 19 years of age, he is really a talent well scouted and in absence of John Terry, a young asset for England.

7.Yann M’Vila – France:

A midfield maestro in Stade Rennais FC, he is rumored with a move to Arsenal this season. His defence spilting passes and deep midfield role has been instrumental for France and he can certainly prove to be an asset for Nasri and Malouda on the wings with Gourcuff and Benzema in the attack. His flair in the sport is also worth watching.

8.Andrea Ranocchia- Italy:

He is already being groomed to be a sensational Italian defender and has been tipped by Cannavaro himself as his successor. He is terrific in the air and his tackles leave strikers in utter dismay. Given Italy’s defensive mindset of play, he can be the key to loosen up the attacks and change possession in the field.

9.Fernando Llorente-Spain:

He has proved his mettle in the Europa league this season, and with his Exceptional heading abilities and long range goals, he can actually prove to be a constant threat to the opposition. Given Torres’s form and Villa’s injury holding up, he can coordinate alongside any of them and play a cameo.

10.Rui Patrício- Portugal:

This shot stopper has been exceptional in the Portuguese League and is worthy of mention here. With a height of 6ft+, he can also dive to the corners and has exceptional reflexes similar to Joe Hart’s. His real test would be how he copes with the ball play of group B teams like Germany and Holland, who leave no stone unturned to net the ball in.

11. Sven Bender and Lars Bender-Germany:

Both the Bender twins have proved themselves very well in the league. Both are exceptional tacticians in the field and can fire engineered passes down the flanks. It will be interesting to see a Sven and Lars midfield setup against a weaker opposition this Euro, omitting the likes of Schweinsteiger and Ozil.

12. Ivan Rakitic-Croatia:

He is from the elite academy of FC Basel and has played for Schalke 04 and this year has been terrific in the La-Liga with Sevilla. His footballing skills have been praised by the greats of the game and the way he has quickly adapted to the spanish style of possession play in the La-Liga is worth appreciating. Can form a Lethal combo with Modric and Corluka.

13. Wojciech Szcz?sny -Poland:

Mr. Funny Man of Arsenal is really serious when it come to goalkeeping. He has made a great climb from a fourth choice keeper to Arsenal’s most trusted and successful goalkeeper this season and can rally his defenders well during set pieces. At this age of his, he has joined the ranks of Hart, De Gea, Courtois, Patricio and Krul as young goalkeepers who impressed this season.

14. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain-England:

My icing on the cake to conclude the article. He has been terrific this season, and given Arshavin and Walcott’s form problems, he has come out well to give his club the edge in tight situations. He has got unmatched pace and can land in deadly accurate crosses to the forwards. The youngest yet the finest in the list.