Best under-23 XI of Euro 2020

Centre-back: Illya Zabarnyi (Ukraine)

Illya Zabarnyi, the next big thing of Ukrainian football

It's been a whirlwind year for Ukrainian starlet Illya Zabarnyi. He played a starring role for Ukraine at Euro 2020 after a breakout season with Dynamo Kyiv.

The 18-year-old was a rock in Ukraine's defence at Euro 2020, making 14 clearances and ten interceptions. He also demonstrated his aerial prowess by winning four duels.

🇺🇦 Illya Zabarnyi has been one of the best players on the pitch in the knockouts of a major tournament at 18 years old. He's deservedly been eyed by Chelsea and AC Milan.This kid is going to the very top. ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/l0irqyy56c

— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) June 29, 2021

It was truly an impressive tournament for the youngster.

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Centre-back: Eric Garcia (Spain)

Eric Garcia's performances at Euro 2020 have Barcelona fans excited for the next season.

He was a peripheral figure at Manchester City last season, but Eric Garcia was not affected by the lack of game time. He instead turned in top-drawer performances for Spain at Euro 2020.

The defender played more passes into the opposition box (23) than any player under the age of 23. That was a testament to his playmaking skills. He also made 15 ball recoveries.

🎙 | Eric García's interview with @sport ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games 🗣 "We are privileged to be able to participate in the Olympic Games." #FCB 🇪🇸⭐️ pic.twitter.com/3R3Cb5p6xx

— Barça Buzz (@Barca_Buzz) July 16, 2021

Garcia is tactically astute and has the potential to succeed at the very top. Barcelona have got a real gem on their hands.

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Centre-back: Attila Szalai (Hungary)

Attila Szalai laid down a marker in defence for Hungary at Euro 2020.

The loss of Dominik Szoboszlai to injury was a huge blow for Hungary at Euro 2020. Fortunately, manager Marco Rossi was able to call upon another talented young gun, Attila Szalai, who came up clutch for the team at the tournament.

The 23-year-old completed more passes (131) than any other Hungarian player at Euro 2020, a testament to his ball-playing skills. Szalai also timed his runs to perfection and made 13 clearances.

🗣️‘In football you need to be a smart guy and polite. Attila is a really smart guy. He’s not just a football player, he’s the full package.’🇭🇺Attila Szalai is watched by Europe's elite. @BenBocsak spoke to the men who made him before Fenerbahce.https://t.co/ttSgApqAml

— First Time Finish (@firsttimefinish) July 9, 2021

What makes his stats even more impressive is the fact that he registered these numbers against European heavyweights - France, Portugal and Germany.