European Championship eight under-19 teams enter the knockout round, with France participate Israeli and England face to face Italy in the semi-finals on Tuesday.
But which players have stood out throughout the group stage? And who made a name for themselves? Our resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen looks at some of the best young talent from the league in Slovakia.
– Daily ESPN FC live stream on ESPN+ (US only)
– No ESPN? Instant access
Age 19
Position: Striker
Club: Rennes
Having made his mark as a high-scoring striker in the Rennes academy and later as a regular impact substitute for the first team, the Chad-born winger stands out – alongside his two fellow strikers. Alan Virginius and Ange-Yoan Bonny – in a 5-0 win over Slovakia. With his direct runs, dribbling and ability to beat opponents, the left-footed winger scored a goal and set up two to help France win the opening game. Thanks to his first stunner, the energetic 19-year-old also added another goal against Romania and two in the win over Italy to end the group stage with five from three games. A top prospect could be months away from breaking through in Ligue 1.
Age 19
Position: Midfielder
Club: Le Havre
As one of the most talked about players ahead of the tournament, the giant defender had little trouble in the group stage. With his 6-foot-7 frame, the 19-year-old has a bit of an odd physique for a centre-back, but despite his massive size, he has good command of his body, agility reasonable and – perhaps even more surprising – both possess the ball (left-footed) and can move with the ball into midfield. While Toure – who finished the season as a regular for Le Havre on the Ligue 2 side – tends to deal with whatever comes up in the air, he is also fighting and a good player. . He is currently being followed by many of the top clubs in Europe.
Age 19
Position: Midfielder
Club: Rapid Vienna
Despite Demir’s brief career in Barcelona did not excel – he made nine appearances for the Catalan side before his loan was canceled and he returned to Rapid Vienna in January – the left-footed midfielder made his mark press for Austria throughout the tournament, although the team did not perform particularly well. Sometimes having to shoulder too much responsibility on his youthful shoulders, Demir still shows subtle turns, creativity, great control ability and intelligent football mind, especially is when playing triangles and neat coordination in the last 1/3. He also showed a lot of personality as he repeatedly faced an absolutely superior England team in a 0-2 loss.
18 years old
Position: Midfielder
Club: Maccabi Tel-Aviv
Gloukh has been on the radar of many scouts, he has impressed at club level and stood out in Euro qualifying, but few expected the Israeli to make such an impact. A mature, intelligent, and technically brilliant attacking midfielder – part 8, part 10, or creative winger – he has won many admirers with his performances and says that This summer’s €10 million move is accelerating. Unyielding when running, Gloukh is an excellent dribbler, who always seems to receive the ball in the most advantageous positions and can glide past teammates with perfectly weighted passes. His delicate touch to seal the score 2-1 against Austria was nothing short of sublime and he was at times unplayable, with a touch of intuition and flair in the final third. Rarely seen from someone so young.
18 years old
Position: Midfielder
Club: Aston Villa
Highly regarded as one of the star performers ahead of the tournament, the Aston Villa midfielder – who featured in 12 Premier League games last season – did not disappoint those early predictions. Chukwuemeka has been in incredible form and sometimes appears as though he has surpassed the level of U19 football by now (illustrated by his confident demeanor as he scores his goal). Serbia).
A scout present at the tournament told me: “It’s hard to think of a more ideal number 8 for modern play; he attacks, he assists, he defends. Tam. His management is clearly top notch as well. He intends to be a top player.”
18 years old
Position: Striker
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
As one of the key members of England’s Under-19s team throughout qualifying, the Spurs forward has recreated his form from previous rounds in Slovakia. Offensive spearhead for an impressive British generation – even his teammates Alfie Devine and Chelsea‘S Harvey Vale also deserves a mention – Scarlett made headlines with two chance goals in the 4-0 win over Serbia. However, he is more than just goalscorers, as he is a constant thorn in the side with his relentless movement and smart, razor-sharp runs behind the defence. Furthermore, despite playing only a handful of games for Tottenham’s first team, Scarlett has proven that he is a centre-back who continues to work on his game and whose growth potential is high. Indeed, his Premier League breakthrough could be imminent.
Age 19
Position: Midfielder
Club: Inter Milan
A dynamic No 8 has been the mainstay of the Italian team throughout the U19 season. While not the player with the most spectacular prospects, Casadei is extremely effective at what he does: He impresses with his convictions, wins the ball thanks to his excellent positioning and covers all the players. Large area in midfield. When it comes to possession, he is efficient and pragmatic, avoiding unnecessary touches and focusing on keeping the game flowing. Casadei is also active in passing, always looking for attacking options and able to break through defenses with quick and precise passes, or by making quick runs into space. The physical midfielder is also capable of closing neatly and controlling the ball well in a tight area.
Age 19
Position: Striker
Club: Red Star Belgrade
Born in Germany, Motika currently represents Serbia after he appeared for his country of birth at the Under-16 level. Impressed in Bayern Munich youth team, after leaving Hertha Berlin in 2017 he was scouted by Red Star Belgrade for €3 million in January, although the German giants have the option of re-signing him. Usually playing on the left flank, Motika likes to run in front of opponents with impressive speed and quick feet, before swooping in and unleashing dangerous shots – one even talks about Arjen Robben about his game. . He is also working on his fitness to be more physically competitive in the game. – David Cartlidge
