Top five youngsters who impressed in the Euro 2024 group stages

Germany and Spain dominate the list.

With the group stage of Euro 2024 drawing to a close, the tournament in Germany has proven to be a special watch for football fans worldwide. The high-octane action, underdog stories, and unbelievable moments have kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

As the knockout rounds approach, the spotlight is on the stellar performances of several upcoming young talents. Here are the top five youngsters who have impressed in the Euro 2024 group stages:

Xavi Simons (Netherlands)

The Netherlands, a dark horse in the tournament, have enjoyed a good campaign despite being placed in a potential group of death alongside juggernauts France, Austria, and Poland in Group D. Much of this success is due to the impressive performances of dynamic attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.

After stellar club seasons at PSV and RB Leipzig, Simons has burst onto the Dutch national team scene with his consistent performances, becoming a key player under Ronald Koeman. The 21-year-old PSG midfielder played a crucial role in the Netherlands’ opening-game comeback win against Poland and was unfortunate to have his goal disallowed by VAR in the goalless draw against France.

Simons’ importance was further highlighted when the Dutch lost their final group game 3-2 against Austria, with him starting on the bench and then making an instant impact with an assist for Cody Gakpo’s goal.

Pedri (Spain)

La Roja’s perfect group stage run, with three wins out of three in a challenging group boasting Italy, Croatia, and Albania, was due to the world-class performances of their midfield maestro Pedri.

The Barcelona star’s exquisite midfield dominance enabled Group B table-toppers Spain to brush aside every opponent with ease. With his elite passing range and outstanding footballing vision, Pedri ran the show for his side, capping an impressive 3-0 win against Croatia with an assist and dominating the defending champions Italy.

Heading into the knockout rounds, Pedri’s performances will be instrumental if Luis de la Fuente’s side hopes to go all the way.

Florian Wirtz (Germany)

Host Germany came into this tournament with mixed expectations due to their lackluster displays in recent international competitions. However, Germany has proven their doubters wrong with an unbeaten group stage run, finishing as table-toppers in Group A.

This achievement is primarily due to the stellar performances of their talented attacking core, led by Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz. Wirtz continued his amazing club form into this tournament, scoring the first goal of Euro 2024 against Scotland with a composed finish.

With his world-class passing range and phenomenal footballing brain, Wirtz has excelled on the left flank for Die Mannschaft, looking to cap an already impressive 2023–24 season with international glory.

Also read: Top five players who impressed in Euro 2024 group stages.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Spain’s Lamine Yamal, the next big thing in world football, broke a series of records with his amazing performances in the group stage. In Spain’s opening game win against Croatia, the Barcelona star made his competition debut, becoming the youngest player ever to play in the Euros at 16 years and 338 days.

During that match, Yamal also provided an assist, making him the youngest player ever to do so in the Euros, as La Roja dominated with a 3-0 win. The Barcelona winger continued his hot form against Italy, helping Spain finish the group stage with a 100 percent record.

At just 16, Yamal is already one of the first names on the team sheet for coach Luis de la Fuente as he looks to lead this young and talented squad to glory.

Jamal Musiala (Germany)

Wonderkid Jamal Musiala has been Germany’s star player in Euro 2024. In this home campaign, Musiala has been one of the best players in the tournament with his stellar group stage performances.

The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder is the top scorer of the competition so far, with two goals in crucial wins against Scotland and Hungary in Group A. Musiala guided Germany to an unbeaten group stage with his world-class displays.

The 21-year-old sensation combines silky dribbling skills, exquisite passing range, and composed finishing in front of goal, all of which could propel Die Mannschaft to Euro 2024 glory in front of their own fans.

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