Euro 2024’s Surprise Sensations: Rising Stars Shaking up European Football

Euro 2024 is the subject of heated debate at the moment. Most pundits and critics believe it is boring and goals are scarce. Germany livened up the tournament’s opening match as expected, and there was a goal-fest, ending in a 5-1 win. It is disappointing that most greats, such as England, Italy, and Belgium, have yet to find their stride.

Despite the lackluster displays, a new generation of football talent emerged to silence skeptics. While some established stars failed to perform on the grandest stage, a new crop of talents is seizing the spotlight with game-changing displays.

From a Real Madrid wonderkid netting a goal for Turkey to a 19-year-old wonderkid taking the game by the scruff of the neck in the dyeing minutes, these emerging talents inject life into the tournament. They are rewriting expectations and keeping us glued to our screens.

Johan Bakayoko – Belgium

The start of the 2024 Euros has been underwhelming for Belgium’s aging ‘Golden Generation,’ they struggle to keep themselves afloat in Group E. Luckily for the Red Devils, Johan Bakayoko’s capabilities shine as one of the few bright spots this campaign. PSV winger Bakayoko has yet to start a game for Belgium at this tournament.

Domenico Tedesco has yet to be kind to Bakayoko, who faced stiff competition from Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku, who started in Bakayoko’s position in their first match of the competition on the right side of the attack as a winger and fourth match.

Their 2-0 win over Romania saw Dodi Lukebakio preferred in the right winger position, making Bakayoko fall down the pecking order. However, his second-half appearances off the bench have been brilliant.

Francisco Conceição – Portugal

Roberto Martinez scraped out of the group stages thanks to a 21-year-old who netted a last-minute goal against the Czech Republic in their second game.

It has been a mixed bag for Os Navegadores as they have not been too convincing when trying to break down other teams despite the ridiculous amount of talent they have at their disposal.

The struggles that the side had when trying to break through the Czech defense even got some of the people who watched the game to be reminded by the sight of a classroom full of students trying to write a complicated essay, which then proceeded to use a service like grademiners essay writing service.

Just the same, Portugal had to wait for a breakthrough against the Czech Republic, with the young player stepping on the pitch when there were only a couple of minutes to the full time and scoring one hundred and sixty minutes, as a result of a catastrophic mistake of the goalkeeper.

It is too early to talk about the starting spot in the squad because Rafael Leao is overproductive, but it is time for the winger to help the national team at the Euros.

Arda Güler – Turkey

Arguably, the Goal of the Tournament so far goes to Arda Güler after a wonder long-range strike in their opening match against Georgia that gave Turkey the three needed points in Group F. He validates Real Madrid’s decision to acquire him from Fenerbahçe for an initial €20m, with up to €10m in add-ons.

Güler’s vision, technical skills, and composure belie his age. He’s consistently influenced games with key passes and creative play. His performances have bolstered Turkey’s campaign and justified Real Madrid’s investment, suggesting he could be a cornerstone of club and country for years.

Fermin Lopez – Spain

Fermin Lopez is another La Masia product knocking on the doors for the Spanish national team. Relatively unknown, Lopez earned a slot in Barcelona’s starting XI amid an injury crisis. He drew attention after spectacular displays that ended with eight goals at the turn of the year.

Lopez’s time at the tournament is limited, but it’s understandable given other options like Merino, Zubimendi, Olmo, and Fabian Ruiz. His first appearance at the game came in their 3-0 win over Croatia. There’s still time for him to grow into the squad.

Kobbie Mainoo – England

An FA Cup win erased Manchester United’s abysmal season, which saw them finishing eighth. One shining light through the tumultuous times was the reincarnation of Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. He slotted in the winning goal against Manchester City to secure their trophy.

His exceptional performances earned him a spot in England’s 26-man squad. A midfield imbalance with the starting trip shows an opportunity for Kobbie Mainoo to partner with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.

Mainoo came on in their disappointing 0-0 draw to Slovenia and showed glimpses of brilliance and a spark the Three Lions need. Southgate has big decisions if England is to proceed further into this tournament.

Cole Palmer – England

Cole Palmer dinked home with an ice-cold display to assert his credentials as a viable option for England at the Euros. Alas, for the former Manchester City youngster, it has been the epitome of a token gesture amid a coverage of limited minutes.

Bukayo Saka is a certifiable gaffer for the Three Lions and no mistake. But Jarrod Bowen might have proven that Southgate was right to pick him as a viable replacement. He came off the bench for the Slovakia game across the border and put up a solid case for Saka to be dropped against the knockout stages in the Round of 16.

Benjamin Sesko – Slovenia

Sesko seemed destined for the Premier League this summer but instead chose to cement his role at RB Leipzig with a contract extension. Given his clean ball striking and running channels, he has been one to watch for Slovenia.

There’s a supply shortage of strikers across Europe, and Sesko is a potential bargainer with a release clause in his contract. He went into the Euros on red-hot form while netting a goal in his final seven games.

Ricardo Calafiori – Italy

Calafiori performed a Man of the Match performance during their 1-1 draw against Croatia. The 22-year-old remains a top target for Europe’s elite teams.

He was a major mainstay behind Bologna’s qualification to the Champions League last season. He dragged the Azzurri over the line with a magnificent assist at the 98th-minute equalizer to send his side to the knockout stages.

Calafiori operated from the back alongside Bastoni for most of the group stages. Thanks to his versatility, any side looking for a left back and a left center half should sign him.

Against Croatia, he completed 93% of his passes and created more chances than any other player on the pitch. He also won every single one of his aerial duels and completed every single tackle made.