The summer of 2024 brings the thrill of the European Championship once again. The best national teams clash for continental glory at the UEFA Euro 2024. Several players are ready to steal the show in Germany. We’ll delve into five names you won’t want to miss. It is a mix of established superstars and exciting young talents ready to announce themselves on the international stage.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe’s inclusion needs no justification. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager, he’s become a household name. Now 25, Mbappe is already a World Cup winner and a goalscoring machine for both club and country. His blistering pace and proven quality on the ball make him a nightmare for defenders.
At Euro 2020, Mbappe showcased his potential but was far away from his best. France was ousted by Switzerland in the RO 16. It was one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Mbappe then proved his quality at the grandest stage of them all. He won the Golden Boot and scored a hat-trick in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final. However, France could not defend their title. This time out, at UEFA Euro 2024, Mbappe will be hoping for more support from the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud to win the title. Expect Mbappé to be at the heart of France’s attack.
Jude Bellingham (England)
Jude Bellingham is the embodiment of England’s exciting young generation. At just 20, he has taken the La Liga by storm. Bellingham looks like one of the senior players of Real Madrid. To make the Los Blancos your home so quickly, you have to have that special something. He is a vital member in the midfield for both club and country.
Bellingham possesses a well-rounded skillset: solid tackling, intelligent passing, and the ability to drive forward with purpose. He’s a box-to-box midfielder and emulates legends like Steven Gerrard, adding goals and creativity to his defensive solidity.
England hasn’t tasted major international success in decades, but Bellingham along with the new generation of English players could finally get them there. Look for Bellingham to dictate tempo, break up attacks, and launch lightning-fast counter-attacks for the Three Lions.
Xavi Simons (Netherlands)
A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, Xavi Simons has taken a slightly different path. After a short stint at PSV Eindhoven, he exploded onto the scene at RB Leipzig. Simons is a creative midfielder, blessed with exceptional dribbling skills and a knack for unlocking defenses with his passing. He replicates a Barca legend, Xavi Hernandez (his namesake), in his game.
Despite his young age (20), Simons has already established himself as a key player for both club and country. The Netherlands, boasting an exciting young core alongside veterans like Virgil van Dijk, are considered a team to watch out for in the tournament. Simons’ creativity will be crucial in breaking down defenses and feeding their talented attackers like Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay. Expect Simons to pull the strings from the middle or out wide.
Rasmus Hojlund (Denmark)
The tall and strong Manchester United attacker Rasmus Hojlund is a physical force to be reckoned with. He burst onto the scene with Atalanta before being snapped up by the Red Devils. Hojlund possesses surprising pace and a knack for finishing. His presence in the box creates havoc for defenders, and he’s a constant aerial threat. His recent form with the EPL club has proven his outstanding quality.
Denmark will feature a new dimension with the addition of Hojlund. He provides a focal point in attack, allowing them to play a more direct style when needed. Look for Højlund to link up with his club teammate Christian Eriksen and be a menace in the air. The Danes are one of the dark horses of the tournament and you can expect them to make a deep run into the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
At 39, Cristiano Ronaldo remains a force to be reckoned with. He continues to defy age with his goalscoring prowess and leadership qualities. While he may now be a reflection of his past self, his hunger for success remains. He is Portugal‘s all-time leading scorer and captain, determined to add another major trophy to his cabinet.
Portugal boast a talented squad with the likes of Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Cancelo. But Ronaldo’s experience and ability to rise to the occasion in big games are invaluable.
He will now have an added motivation as well. The Portuguese skipper was demoted to the bench by former manager Fernando Santos in the FIFA World Cup 2022 knockout stages. With Roberto Martinez at the helm, Ronaldo is expected to start matches for Portugal again. Can he lead Portugal to a repeat of their 2016 triumph? One thing’s for sure, you can never write him off.
Euro 2024 promises to be a thrilling spectacle. These five players are just a taste of the excitement on offer. Be sure to tune in and witness these stars illuminate the European stage.