Ten U-23 players to watch out for at EURO '12

1) Alex Oxlade- Chamberlain (England)

This pacy winger also known as “The Ox” could just be the answer to England’s right wing problems. With Theo Walcott being inconsistent this season and also on the international stage, this might just be the perfect stage for the Arsenal midfielder to announce himself on the international stage. But will Roy Hodgson show faith in him and select him in his starting 11? Only time will tell. With his power and physical tenacity, he can be a threat for the opposition full-backs.

2) Robert Lewandowski (Poland)

This young striker enjoyed a fine season with Borussia Dortmund snatching up 22 goals in the BundesLiga and was also the top scorer in the DFB Pokal including a hat-trick in the final against the mighty Bayern Munich. With Poland being the host nation this time around, it will be looking to make its mark in front of their home fans and Lewandowski could just be the lethal weapon that Poland are looking for.

3) Toni Kroos (Germany)

The Bavarian midfielder drove the Bayern Munich midfield this season especially when Schweinsteiger was absent due to injury and put in fine performances almost every time. He will look to form the same partnership with Germany and try to take them all the way this time having fell short in the previous campaigns. He initially started his career as winger but just like Schweinsteiger, he has now settled well in the middle of the park and runs the show as a central midfielder. Watch out for him!

4) Iker Muniain (Spain)

This tiny midfielder from Pamplona is termed as “the Spanish Messi” by the media. His performances against Manchester United in the Europa League were brilliant to say the least. He could still find himself warming the bench, losing out on the first team to players like Xavi and Iniesta but this dynamic player can play either in the wings or in the center of the midfield. He could well be used as a substitute but still can make his mark on this competition with his box-to-box running.

5) Fabio Borini (Italy)

This young and dynamic striker has had a decent season with AS Roma. Full of pace, low center of gravity, this youngster can just be the recipe for Italy’s winning prospects. It is just about the right time to unleash this talent on the international stage if Prandelli decides to take him to Poland. He can also be effective coming from the bench when the opposition defenders are tired.

6) Andriy Yarmolenko (Ukraine)

The young forward can operate up top or on the left-hand side and has been dubbed the ‘next Sheva’ by sections of the Ukrainian media. With an impressive strike rate at international level having scored seven in 18, the Dynamo Kyiv man will be key if Ukraine are to progress from their group.

7) Mario Gotze(Germany)

Tipped as the next big thing in Germany, this winger cum attacker has made his name by winning the BundesLiga title with Borussia Dortmund for the second consecutive year. His speed, technical ability and eye for passing is second to none. One of the best talents on display at this summer’s EURO, he surely can provide Germany with that extra bit of edge.

8) Holger Badstuber (Germany)

This talented defender will be the mainstay of the German defense this summer. He can play either as a left-back or as a central defender. He had a fine season with Bayern Munich but missed out on the final in Munich because of suspension. Having missed out on silverware in the FIFA World Cup 2010, he will looking to go all guns blazing this time around.

9) Mario Balotelli (Italy)

Yes, we have him on our list. He can make it or break it, literally. But will Cesare Prandelli put him in the starting 11? It remains to be seen. He is surely one of the most gifted and talented footballers in the world right now. If he keeps a cool head on his shoulders, he can be one of the best out there. He has all the qualities to spearhead the Italian attack. If he can sort his problems out he could be one of the players of the tournament.

10) Kevin Strootman (Netherlands)

This PSV midfielder can make his mark on this competition with Bert Van Marwijk already stating that his eye for passing is one of the best. He is tall, strong and have all the aspects of a great midfielder in the making. With the likes of Sneijder,Van der vaart and Robben around him, he can definitely make an impact in this competition.