4 youngsters to look out for at Euro 2012

As Euro 2012 gets underway in Poland and Ukraine, here are 4 youngsters to look out for in one of Europe’s biggest football tournaments.

1. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Age 18)

There were several eyebrows raised after newly appointed English manager Roy Hodgson announced his squad for Euro 2012 and one topic that sparked great debate was the inclusion of Arsenal youngster, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The first question that popped up in my head was, “If he barely gets picked for Arsenal, then why should he get picked for England?” After reviewing the performances of “The Ox” in the red and white strip of the Gunners, I realized the answer was simple, Chamberlain is the type of player that any manager would love to have in his side. He has got everything a footballer needs but what separates him from the rest of England’s young talent is his game sense and great decision making, something that most wingers in England lack. He should’ve been used more by Arsene Wenger, and in my opinion, is already a better player than compatriot, Theo Walcott.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is part of only a select few players that England have produced with world-class potential in recent years, while the rest are mediocre, to say the least. “The Ox” is versatile as well and can be deployed in the center of midfield (The experienced AC Milan midfield will be the first to accept what a handful he can be in that position) and this will help England immensely. The loss of Frank Lampard and Gareth Barry through injury will mean that he is likely to get more game time and this maybe a blessing in disguise as he will provide the Three Lions with much some needed flair and excitement, and hopefully, help the national side exceed expectations in Poland and Ukraine.

2. Andriy Yarmolenko (Age 22)

Described as the “new Shevchenko”, Andriy Yarmolenko is a superb young talent that has caught the attention of several big clubs in Europe such as Arsenal and Liverpool. Yarmolenko is an explosive player who is equally effective on the wing or as a striker. Playing him on the wide right would probably bring the best of out him as he can cut in on his dynamite left foot and let one fly. He is coming into the tournament after arguably his best season with Ukrainian giants, Dynamo Kyiv and has impressed in both the domestic league as well as the Europa League.

The Russian born player can be absent for large parts of the game but is also known to produce a bit of magic. He has got quick feet and an eye for goal and will have to be in top form to give the co-hosts even the slightest chance of progressing. Ukraine have been drawn in an incredibly tough group, alongside England, France and Sweden but none of these teams boast a solid back line, which may lead to them being exploited by the dazzling Yarmolenko.

3. Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Age 20)

Shalke’s 2012-13 season has been about the performances of the legendary Raul, the emergence of the flamboyant Julian Draxler and of course, the goal scoring prowess of Klass-Jan Huntelaar. One player who hasn’t gone unnoticed though, is Greek centre half, Kryiakos Papadopoulos. He has been solid for German side in the centre of defense and was key in Shalke’s third place finish in the Bundesliga as well as their European campaign in which they reached the quarter finals of the Europa League.

Papadopoulous’s impressive performances for his club in recent years prompted coach, Fernando Santos to give him his first senior appearance for the Greek national side. Since then, the twenty year old has been close to cementing his place in the first eleven and it will not be long before he does so permanently. Apart from his commanding style of play and hard tackling, Papadopoulous can also be menacing in the opposition’s penalty area, mainly from set pieces. He has scored four goals from ten senior appearances for the national side, something an accomplished striker would be proud of. His never say die attitude and willingness to put his body in front of almost everything is something Greece desperately need, if they are to replicate their heroics from 2004.

4. Christian Eriksen (Age 20)

In 2010, Christian Eriksen went to South Africa as a relatively unknown player but now he will walk into the European Championships as one of Europe’s hottest prospects. The Danish midfielder has produced some inspiring performances for his club side Ajax and has been incredible in Denmark’s qualifying campaign, where he became the youngest Danish player to score in European qualification. He has notched up more than twenty appearances for the senior team and will be one of the first name’s on Morten Olsen’s team sheet in Poland and Ukraine.

Eriksen is the type of player who can play deep in midfield as well as behind the striker. He is also known for drifting out wide on occasions where he possesses the skill to take on the defenders. He has got stellar vision along with the technique and passing range to match it. Eriksen can feed his strikers with a perfectly weighted through pass and can also swiftly change the direction of play with a pinpoint long ball. There are very few teams in Europe who do not have Christian Eriksen on their shopping list and if he can produce at the Euros, his estimated worth will rise significantly. Denmark have been placed in the “group of death” alongside the Netherlands, Germany and Portugal, three potential winners of the tournament. Even getting a point off these European powerhouses will be a massive task but having an in form Christian Eriksen in their side, will slightly increase the probability of this happening.