Wirtz, Yamal and more – Sportsnet.ca

If you’re a casual soccer fan, you’ll probably know the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane. While these household names will surely make an impact at Euro 2024, it’s the players hovering under the radar, waiting for their chance to shine, who will enter the spotlight in one of soccer’s most exciting tournaments. 

Over the next month, 24 teams from across Europe will gather in Germany to fight for the title of best team on the continent. But for many young and talented athletes, it’s a chance for them to “come of age” and showcase their abilities for the world to see.

From Florian Wirtz, the German sensation, to Lamine Yamal, the Spanish maestro, read on for six breakout players to watch at the 2024 European Championship.

The Wonderkid: Florian Wirtz, Germany

Age: 21

Position: Midfielder

Club: Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga

To put it simply, Florian Wirtz is a magician. At the heart of one of the greatest soccer stories of the year, the midfielder led Leverkusen to an undefeated season and its first Bundesliga win in its 119-year history. Operating on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, the 21-year-old moves the ball like butter, executing tight passes to open up space and unlock the opponent’s backline. In 32 club games, he scored 11 goals, assisted the same, and won a whopping 327 tackles. 

The Euros come at an interesting time for Wirtz, as Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona are rumoured to be making offers for the wonderkid. Additionally, after missing out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a torn ACL, this summer is one of the first opportunities for the German to show that he can compete against the world’s best teams and stars at an international level.

The Valiant: Warren Zaire-Emery, France

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder

Club: Paris Saint-Germain, Ligue 1

Playing alongside Mbappé and Lionel Messi? Check. Nominated for the 2024 Golden Boy Award? Check. Scoring a goal on your international debut, becoming the youngest athlete in over a century to play and score for the French national team? Check. With his accolades seamlessly piling up, it’s easy to forget that Zaire-Emery is only 18. With this in mind, it’s clear the youngster is a bright young name in soccer. And with a major tournament only days away, he could become one of the game’s hottest commodities by lifting the Euro trophy.

A clever starter for Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and in the Champions League, Zaire-Emery is bold and quick on the ball, efficient in possession and doesn’t shy away from a tackle. He plays maturely yet fiercely and rarely loses the ball, which will be a welcomed gift for manager Didier Deschamps.

The Historian: Lamine Yamal, Spain

Age: 16

Position: Forward

Club: Barcelona, La Liga

Where does one start with Lamine Yamal? While most 16-year-olds are busy getting their driver’s licences, the winger became the youngest player and goal-scorer in the history of both La Liga and Spanish international soccer over the past year. 

If Spain makes it to the championship game, Yamal will celebrate his 17th birthday one day ahead of the final showpiece at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Surely there would be no better present than to help his team reach European glory. Despite playing alongside Spanish powerhouses such as Rodri and Álvaro Morata, the youngster is a leader in his own right, making reliable and productive decisions that allow him to break through defenders. Adding to Yamal’s star power is the energy and confidence he brings to the pitch, which will fill the hole left by Gavi, who is out with injury.

The Artist: Xavi Simons, Netherlands

Age: 21

Position: Midfielder

Club: RB Leipzig (on loan from Paris Saint-Germain), Bundesliga

On Monday, 21-year-old Xavi Simons had the perfect boost heading into the Euros — scoring his first senior international goal for The Netherlands in its friendly over Iceland. It’s not unreasonable to feel that the floodgates have opened for the Dutchman, who had a solid season in the Bundesliga with eight goals and 11 assists (tied for second most in the league) in 32 games.

A product of the famed La Masia academy, Simons is crafty and moves the ball across the pitch with tactical awareness. He’s a complete player who makes things happen from midfield or the wing, making him difficult to track and stop. Simons’ blend of Catalan and Dutch styles can be confusing for defenders who haven’t experienced his unique dribbling and ability to thread the ball through the thinnest of gaps. With Barcelona and Bayern Munich are rumoured to be eyeing the virtuoso, this tournament will be a vital moment for the trajectory of Simons’ career.

The Heir: Arthur Vermeeren, Belgium

Age: 19

Position: Midfielder

Club: Atlético Madrid, La Liga

Arthur Vermeeren has something to prove. Since transferring to Atlético Madrid from Royal Antwerp in January 2024, the 19-year-old has only recorded five appearances. That said, a strong Euro campaign would boost his chances of seeing the pitch next season. It’s not as if he hasn’t proved himself before — the Belgian played a vital role in helping Antwerp win its first title since 1957 in 2023. That same year, he scored a goal in the Champions League to stun Barcelona.

Vermeeren’s ability to create space, hold possession and complete tricky passes with accuracy will be important for Belgium this tournament as it seeks to start strong and top its group. The qualities that make him shine are eerily similar to Belgium skipper and Manchester City star Kevin de Bruyne. If Vermeeren keeps up with his trajectory, he could find himself as the heir to one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

The Superstar: Jude Bellingham, England

Age: 20

Position: Midfielder

Club: Real Madrid, La Liga

Although many soccer fans are already familiar with Jude Bellingham’s tactical prowess, it feels illogical to omit him from our list of breakout talent to watch — he’s that good. While England have a handful of young, skillful players in Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Kobbie Mainoo, Bellingham’s aura is difficult to replicate. 

In one season, the 20-year-old transformed from an already household name to a global sensation at Real Madrid. He scored 23 goals and tallied 11 assists on Los Blancos’ way to La Liga and Champions League glory this past year, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. What’s particularly special about the Englishman is his leadership and winning mentality, both on and off the pitch. 

At the 2020 Euros, England was left heartbroken after Italy won on penalties in the final. Will Bellingham help lead the Three Lions to success, and bring the trophy home once and for all?