We saw it happen with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2004, certainly one of the players who handled the Euro Cup’s spotlight in the best manner. The Euro 2008 also threw a host of new names and many young players in the ensuing turmoil of transfer speculations.
This year, who could it be? We jump straight into the topic as we look at 7 rising stars with great potentials who could easily make a name for themselves in the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament.
1. Nelson Oliveira – Portugal
Nélson Oliveira is a 20-year old player who has a promising future. Having spent his entire career so far in Portugal, there should be no psychological conflict when the striker gets called on the field at the Euro 2012 to fight for his country. The loyal starlet won the Silver Ball at the 2011 FIFA U20 World Cup and was also named Best Newcomer of 2012 by Golden Globes.
2. David Silva – Spain
David Silva is a 26-year-old attacking midfielder who knows how it feels to win major trophies. The FA Cup and Premier League winner, who helped Spain win the Euro 2008 tournament and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is anticipated to use his expertise once again to push his national side to yet another feat.
The September 2011 Premier League Player of the Month might not be a master in scoring goals, but his sharp eye and precise dribbling makes him a creative orchestrator on the pitch.
3. Alex Chamberlain – England
Alex Chamberlain is an English winger who loves to go for goal. The 18-year-old player averaged 2 shots per game last season in all competitions for top Premier League club Arsenal FC, despite appearing 11 times as a substitute. When in action, his runs and pace can be deadly.
Depending on the tactics used by England manager Roy Hodgson at Euro 2012, Chamberlain could sprout to reach new heights.
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4. Marco Reus – Germany
Marco Reus is a 23-year-old German forward who plays for Borussia Dortmund. He scored 18 league goals for his club last season, and was on target thrice in five appearances in the German Cup. He also had 10 assists in 37 club games, while he grabbed a total of 123 shots.
There is no doubt that he will be a great concern for opposing defenders at the Euro 2012 if ever he gets a feel of the tournament.
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5. James McClean – Republic of Ireland
James McClean is a 23-year-old Irish winger who plays in the Premier League. The fact that the Sunderland Young Player of the Year 2011-12 scored six goals, made four assists and 54 shots in 26 appearances at club level last season tells everyone how dangerous he can be.
Along with the likes of Robbie Keane and Damien Duff, an in-form McClean could make his presence for the Republic of Ireland indispensable at the Euro 2012.
6. Tobias Mikkelsen – Denmark
Tobias Mikkelsen is a 25-year-old winger who plays for F.C. Nordsjælland in the Danish Superliga. He is not the kind of player who collects extraordinary statistics, but he still deserves a lot of attention.
At least, he makes himself useful on the field, and this explains how he managed to help his club win the Danish Cup twice in a row, and the league last season. If manager Morten Olsen listed him in his final 23-man squad ahead of the Euro 2012, then it is because he has seen his consistency and knows his value.
7. Kostas Fortounis – Greece
Whenever a player is wanted by top Italian club Juventus, it is for his talent. This was recently the case for 19-year-old Greek player Kostas Fortounis, who plays as an attacking midfielder or as a winger.
The Kaiserslautern member is not known as the youngster who bags the goals in any game he plays, but he ensure he does his role as an attacker, and this is just enough for the managers he has played under in his on-going career. At 6ft tall, opposing midfielders and defenders at the Euro 2012 might have to watch out for him during aerial battles.
