RASHFORD, SANCHES AND THE HIDDEN GEMS WHO COULD EMERGE AT EURO 2016

With just under Seven days until the start of Euro 2016, Goal takes a look at a couple of exciting players who are looking to make a name for themselves…

FEDERICO BERNARDESCHI – ITALY

The 22-year-old is a powerful right-sided winger who loves to cut inside and shoot from distance. One of Italy’s top prospects, the versatile attacker played 33 times in Serie A this season, scoring three goals, and is looking to build on his 3 Italy caps this summer.

ANTE CORIC – CROATIA

The 19-year-old made his debut for the senior Croatia senior side last month and will want to build on his sensational club form for his country this summer. A gifted playmaker with a powerful strike, Coric has rejected interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid in the past and will revel on the big stage if given the opportunity.

RENATO SANCHES – PORTUGAL

Bayern Munich’s new big-money signing will finally be unleashed by Portugal having tied up the deal to take him to the Allianz Arena. A powerful, fleet-footed box-to-box midfielder, Sanches’ presence in the middle of the park is stark, even at 18 years of age. There will be wincing at Old Trafford should the former Benfica powerhouse live up to expectations, after he snubbed them in favour of the German champions.

OZAN TUFAN – TURKEY

With 23 caps for the senior side at just 21-years-old, Tufan is widely considered as the man to rejuvenate a stagnating Turkey side. The Fenerbahce midfielder is a tenacious, hard working central player with an eye for a pass and superb ball control. An old head on young shoulders.

SIME VRSALJKO – CROATIA

Although already an established defender in Italy, the energetic full-back has the opportunity to introduce himself to the rest of Europe in France. The Sassuolo man thrives in the deeper positions on the flank and is remarkable positionally, while his athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly when tracking back.

MARCUS RASHFORD – ENGLAND

Everything the Manchester United teenager touches seemingly turns to gold. Having scored twice in the Europa League on his United debut, the 18-year-old then scored another double on his Premier League bow. Then, three minutes into his first England game, he struck another. His inclusion may have surprised some and he may only be used as a bit-part player by Roy Hodgson, but his goals to games ratio to date sees him as a very useful option.

ELSEID HYSAJ – ALBANIA

Another full-back in the list now in the shape of Napoli’s Elseid Hysaj, who is already a mainstay in the Albania senior team at just 22. An incredible 2015/16 season in Serie A has seen his name linked with some of the European giants already, with the likes of Bayern Munich reportedly sniffing around, and a good Euro 2016 will only enhance his burgeoning reputation.

LEROY SANE – GERMANYThe 20-year-old attacking midfielder will be relishing the chance to impress on the big stage having recently finished a fine season with Bundesliga side Schalke. Able to operate in any of the forward positions, he could thrive in the absence of a traditional centre-forward in the Germany team. Sane registered eight goals and six assists in the German top flight last season.

 

RAPHAEL GUERREIRO – PORTUGALThe 22-year-old is reportedly on the verge of a move to Borussia Dortmund and will be able to play with freedom knowing his club future is secured. Another modern day full-back who loves to bomb forward, Guerreiro is also a set-piece specialist and will be crucial as Portugal look to launch counter-attacks.

JULIAN WEIGL – GERMANY

One of the most promising players in Europe, the 20-year-old holding midfielder reads the game akin to a player twice his age. While Weigl does not exert excessive energy, he quietly picks apart opposition attacks and does the dirty work. Although his number of starts in France may be limited – Weigl has made just one appearance for Die Mannschaft – he is likely to appear off the bench to sure things up when needed.