Top five players to watch out for in U21 EURO

Many young players are set to make a mark in the tournament starting next week.

Every two years, the European men’s under-21 national teams from UEFA member associations compete in the European Under-21 Championship, sometimes known as the UEFA Under-21 Championship or just the Euro Under-21 (U21 EURO).

Starting from next week, Slovakia will host the 2025 European Under-21 Championship (U21 EURO) competition. In past iterations, the competition has produced several stars who initially rose to fame. In this edition, too, players will be watched by many clubs from Europe, and whichever players make their mark in the tournament will attract interest from many top European clubs.

Having said that, each squad has enough talent to succeed. Here, we examine five players who can make an impact at the European Under-21 Championship (U21 EURO).

5. Cesare Casadei (Italy U21)

Casadei emerged as a highly regarded young player and was a formidable box-to-box midfielder. However, he didn’t have much of an impact in England for Chelsea, Reading and Leicester City. Recently, his return to Serie A club Torino has so far been successful.

He took home the Golden Ball and Golden Boot honours from the 2023 U20 World Cup. The player will look to replicate a similar performance again.

4. Matteo Ruggeri (Italy U21)

Last season, 22-year-old Matteo Ruggeri made 30 appearances for Atalanta in Serie A. With a strong experience in his locker, he is a left-wing-back. He has previously received a call-up to the senior squad.

Now, once again, this indicates how important he is going to be for Italy U-21 in the U21 EURO Championship next week.

3. Jay Stansfield (England U21)

England’s Under-21 team at the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia this month includes several EFL players. Included is Jay Stansfield of Birmingham City, who helped the Blues win the title and advance to the second division by scoring 19 goals in 37 League One games. Despite playing three times during qualification, Stansfield is making his tournament debut.

2. Ethan Nwaneri (England U21)

The England Under-21 team for the forthcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship (U21 EURO) includes 18-year-old Arsenal player Ethan Nwaneri. He made an impression at the training camp and was selected for the tournament’s final squad. At the under-21 level, Nwaneri has already made two appearances for the Three Lions, including a goal in his debut.

Ethan Nwaneri scores his first England U21 goal in his first start 💫 pic.twitter.com/qESajjiN2j

— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 24, 2025

He also filled in for Bukayo Saka last season. The player will be hoping to lead his country to the trophy at Euro U-21 with an outstanding performance.

1. Geovany Quenda (Portugal U21)

Sporting’s Academy is where Geovany Quenda learnt his craft. Last year, he broke Cristiano Ronaldo’s record after becoming the youngest goalscorer (at 17 years, five months and 27 days) for Sporting. In his debut season of senior football, the 18-year-old right-winger has converted to a wing-back and is now Sporting’s most crucial player.

He appeared in 35 matches, netting two goals and assisting five last season. Quenda has become one of the most promising players in Europe this season. Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim gave him an opportunity during his time at Sporting, and now he will have a chance to further cement himself in the U21 EURO.

Q&A com Geovany Quenda 🗣️#MadeInSporting pic.twitter.com/itcoifjABL

— Sporting CP 🏆🏆 (@SportingCP) September 12, 2024

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