Top 10 players to watch out for at Euro U-21 2023

Germany won the last championship

Football fans around the world are very keen to watch glimpses of the next big thing, the UEFA Euro U-21 Championship, which begins on Wednesday. Romania and Georgia are going to be the host nations for the competition.

The competition will run until July 8, when sixteen nations across Europe will be competing. Joint record champions Italy and Spain will try to add to the list of trophies they won, while Germany, the defending champions, will try to win it consecutive times.

Here are the top ten players to watch out for at Euro U-21 2023.

10. Mohammed Simakan - France

The 23-year-old defender from Strasbourg arrived at the Red Bull Arena for RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, and since then he has mostly been very good. There were certainly downs midway through the 2022–23 campaign, though, when injury meant he dipped in and out of Marco Rose's side. But he featured in 12 of the last 13 league games as Leipzig secured a podium finish and Champions League group-stage football for next season.

9. Ryan Gravenberch - Netherlands

The midfielder was signed by Bayern Munich from Ajax in 2022; he plays as a part of a double pivot, typically on the left side. Gravenberch has plenty of defensive quality but really shines in terms of his use of the ball; his positional awareness and anticipation of opposing midfielders and incredible ball supply can make him one of the stars to come out of Euro U-21.

8. Kouadio Kone - France

Kouadio Koné was born on May 17, 2001, in Colombes and plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach. He has instilled that fuel in himself as he has carried the "school, eat, football, eat, sleep" philosophy that turned him into a pro. He has been surrounded by players like Christopher Kramer, Lars Stindl, and French forward Marcus Thuram, people who have improved him as a player.

7. Kevin Schade - Germany

Kevin Schade, the 21-year-old, just joined Brentford permanently from Freiburg for a fee of €25 million, making him a record transfer for both clubs. His strength and speed allow him to play in almost any position in the attack, be it on the wing or as a striker. He is the man the English club is counting on in the prolonged absence of Ivan Toney. He is just two inches shorter than the Brentford star, and his physique makes him strong in one-on-one battles.

6. Gabri Veiga - Spain

The 21-year-old LaLiga's new gem was involved in 15 goal contributions; he scored 11 goals and provided 4 assists across the 2022–23 campaign. He stands out for his speed, technique, and finishing and covers a lot of ground. As a result of his performances, the attacking midfielder is being closely watched by a number of clubs; Premier League sides have made inquiries, Barcelona are interested, and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has publicly praised him.

5. Wilfried Gnonto - Italy

Wilfried Gnonto is a 19-year-old who is capable of causing a lot of problems for his opponents from both flanks and the centre of the park. In September 2022, he took a giant step across the channel and signed for Leeds. He left Inter's academy as a member of a strong generation and moved to Zurich, where he won the Swiss league with the local club. Manchester United are reportedly one of many interested parties and have been watching the player closely.

4. Martin Vitik - Czech Republic

Martin Vitik had an excellent season that culminated in a title with Sparta Prague. The 20-year-old was a key player for the club and will now be the main man in the Czech defence at the Euros. He's quick, strong in the air, and doesn't hesitate to get forward. His year under coach Brian Prisk has helped him a lot tactically, but he has to avoid the unnecessary and cheap mistakes that have accompanied him.

3. Lois Openda - Belgium

Lois Openda is a 23-year-old striker who is flying and certainly has no motive to stop; he has scored 21 goals for surprise package Lens. The Belgian predator is unstoppable when it comes to taking on defenders, and he is lethal in front of goal, finishing most of the chances that come his way. Bundesliga club RB Leipzig are looking to add him to the squad.

2. Castello Lukeba - France

Castello Lukeba pushed Jerome Boateng to the bench, and the Frenchman has since been an important piece of Lyon's starting line-up. He ranks inside the top five among defenders under 21 in the big five European leagues for winning defensive duels and is the best at intercepting the ball. The 20-year-old defender will most likely be the key man in the French backline.

1. Joao Neves - Portugal

At just 18 years of age, Benfica's Joao Neves is a new star born in Portugal. The midfielder cleans up the midfield with finesse, has a huge footballing IQ, a talent for passing, and has no problem turning defenders around. Despite his young age; he is one of the biggest hopes of Portuguese football in this tournament and for years to come.