http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xwQchA7v70
Although major international tournaments aren’t necessarily the best time to give your young guns a run out, some of the most fascinating prospects in European football will be in Ukraine and Poland this summer. OTP chooses the top ten players under 23 to keep your eye on. With a video to accompany each one, we give you five today and the rest tomorrow. Remember the names, write them down, and then scout them on Football Manager:
10. Kyriakos Papadopoulos (aged 22) – Greece
Although Greece had a rotten time at the World Cup in 2010, things at home aren’t exactly rosy, and they are 66/1 outsiders to lift the trophy, their fans are optimistic about the solidity of their side with Papadopoulos either in defensive midfield or at centre back. Playing for Schalke, Kyriakos was in the top five in the Bundesliga for tackles, interceptions and blocked shots. Not bad for a man whose name sounds like a dinosaur.
9. Andre Schurrle (aged 21) – Germany
Although is playing time may be limited with the presence of Klose, Muller and Gomez, Schurrle deserves his place in the national squad for his early international promise. Although, like many of his forward colleagues, goals at club level have not flowed, the striker has notched five goals in twelve games for Germany, including striked against Brazil, Uruguay, Belgium and Austria.
http://youtu.be/4wO7A1ToK1M
8. Ivan Perisic (aged 23) – Croatia
Although Perisic may not have long to have an effect on the tournament (his country are drawn in a group with Spain and Italy), the Borussia Dortmund midfielder has had a fabulous season in Germany. After signing from Club Brugge in 2011 he won the domestic double and appeared in the Champions League, scoring a wonderful volleyed equaliser against Arsenal in the group stage.
7. Robert Lewandowski (aged 23) – Poland
A team mate of Perisic above, striker Lewandowski has been a massive success at Dortmund since a 4.5million Euros move from Lech Poznan, and his goals were a mainstay of his club’s success. As a host country and in a group with Greece, Czech Republic and Russia, Poland have every chance of progression to the knockout stages. If that is to happen Lewandowski will surely carry his domestic form through into the summer.
http://youtu.be/_72W5EdRgD4
6. Yann M’vila (aged 21) – France
Although only 21, Yann M’Vila has already gained 18 senior caps for France, and is being talked about (like many before him) as the new Patrick Vieira. Strong links with Arsenal will only continue such comparisons, and a good Euro 2012 may seal the switch for the Rennes midfielder. Generally plays as a defensive shield with tough tackling, M’Vila’s immense stamina means that Laurent Blanc has also utilised him as a box-to-box midfielder. Think Abou Diaby. But decent.
