The last 16 of Euro 2024 is in the books, and it'll go down as a round of games that were defined by the tournament's wonder kids. From Arda Guler
The last 16 of Euro 2024 is in the books, and it’ll go down as a round of games that were defined by the tournament’s wonder kids.
From Arda Guler to Nico Williams, and overhead kick hero Jude Bellingham, young players stepped up in the big moments throughout the round of 16.
Eight best young players ranked at Euro 2024 so far.
8. Kobbie Mainoo
Nation: England
England fans had been clamoring for Kobbie Mainoo to start in midfield throughout Euro 2024, and the Manchester United starlet was finally given his big chance in the last 16.
And considering he completed 96% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles and won four duels, it’s pretty fair to say that he delivered.
7. Pedri
Nation: Spain
The dynamic Spanish midfielder has been in wonderful form throughout the tournament, providing precise passes to his team’s wide players.
6. Jude Bellingham
Nation: England
Sure, he’s not been at his best and he rightfully came under criticism for that after the group stages.
If he keeps popping up with last minute overhead kicks to keep England in Euro 2024 however, we expect those naysayers to quieten down quite soon.
5. Xavi Simons
Nation: Netherlands
After a few so-so outings, we finally witnessed the very best of Xavi Simons in the Netherlands’ win over Romania in the round of 16.
The diminutive attacking midfielder was an utter nuisance for the Romanian backline, popping up in dangerous areas throughout the 90 minutes.
He bagged himself a pair of assists for his troubles too. Nice one.
4. Arda Guler
Nation: Turkey 🇹🇷
Yes, it is utterly ridiculous that Real Madrid, a team who have Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Endrick on the books also have a player as good as Arda Guler too.
The 19-year-old showed off his big-game credentials in Turkey’s shock win over Austria in the last 16, providing quality deliveries into the box which led to both of his side’s goals.
3. Jamal Musiala
Nation: Germany
A lot was expected of Jamal Musiala heading into Euro 2024, and so far he’s more than living up to the hype.
The Bayern star continued his ascent to superstardom with his third goal of the tournament in Germany’s win over Denmark in the round of 16.
2. Lamine Yamal
Nation: Spain
It’s said every single time Yamal comes up in conversation, but it is genuinely ridiculous that he’s this good at such a young age.
The wide player was, once again, utterly brilliant in Spain’s win over Georgia.
1. Nico Williams
Nation: Spain
There’s a serious case to be made that Nico Williams has been not just the young player of the tournament so far, but the player of the tournament overall.
His stunning goal in Spain’s 4-1 win over Georgia was yet another example of his offensive prowess in the final third.
Every single club in Europe should be after his signature this summer.