Top 10 players to watch out for in the U-21 European Championship

7. Sebastian Rode

Age: 22

National Team: Germany

Club: Eintracht Frankfurt

Position: Midfielder

22-year-old Sebastian Rode has been a part of the hugely impressive Eintracht Frankfurt side, guided by Armin Veh. He played a bulk of Bundesliga games in the 2012-13 season as Frankfurt occupied the final Champions League spot for much of the season before settling for a Europa League berth. The German is a rock in midfield, displaying immense strength to nullify the opposition, an enforcer almost. He is yet to receive a call-up to the national side but will undoubtedly be a part of Joachim Low’s plans in the near future. Various reports in Germany suggest he is set to sign for the star-studded Bayern Munich side next season, but neither party has given any official confirmation on this.

6. Nathaniel Chalobah

Age: 18

National Team: England

Club: Chelsea

Position: Midfielder

At 18 years of age, Nathaniel Chalobah is one of the youngest players in this youth tournament. Having been born in the civil war zone city of Freetown, Sierra Leone, the youngster is still eligible to play his first-team football for the African side. But his ability and potential make him a good option for future English sides. The youngster has come through the youth setup at Chelsea, and hasn’t yet played a first team game for the Blues. However, he was an integral part of Gianfranco Zola’s Watford side that came so close to a return to the Premier League, only to miss out at the last few hurdles. A place in Chelsea’s team is still unlikely, but he will be hoping to impress the scouts on show to get a temporary move in search of first-team football.

5. Koke

Age: 21

National Team: Spain

Club: Atletico Madrid

Position: Midfielder

A Los Colchonero throughout his career so far, Koke made his debut for Atletico Madrid at the tender age of 16. He continued his development in the B team, before gradually earning his promotion into the first team. Despite making a couple of appearances prior to Simeone’s arrival, Koke developed into the quality player that he is today only under the guidance of the Argentinian. He has been a constant feature in Simeone’s side, being a part of their Europa League and Copa Del Rey successes. Impressively, the midfielder has made over 50 appearances for 6 different Spanish sides (starting from the U-16s) but is yet to receive a call-up to the national side. He was also a part of Spain’s disappointing Olympic campaign.