Euro 2016 is all set to kick start in less than two weeks’ time where International matters would outweigh the club preferences. Like any other major tournament, Premier League contingent will be high at this summer’s Euros as well.
Likes of England and Belgium will primarily be filled with Premier League stars which would attract a huge audience base for the tournament. While some of the more proven Premier League names will steal the spotlight, there will be those who would look to establish themselves on a major International scene for the first time.
There is this thing about Euro Championships, every tournament we see a new star emerge on the scene and really hit new heights from there. Wayne Rooney did it back in 2004, Mesut Ozil was the real find from 2008 and then Marco Reus and Christian Eriksen did the same at Euro 2012.
So who will it be this year to make every one stand up and take note of their abilities? On that note, we have shortlisted FIVE candidates from Premier League to have a major impact on the tournament and be one of the stars in France this summer.
Jason Denayer (Belgium/Manchester City)
This 20-year old central defender is rated as one of the best young prospects from Premier League at the moment. He is currently contracted to Manchester City and will represent Belgium at Euro 2016.
While Denayer may have got his chance only after a string of injuries to the likes of Kompany, Boyata, Engels and Lombaerts, but Denayer has shown in the past how he is ready to take the next step.
He has been only capped 4 times for his country but will be relied upon as the tournament reaches the latter stage to step up and deliver. Pending on his performance, he will understand where he stands in terms of playing for Pep Guardiola next season at The Etihad.
Marcus Rashford (England/Manchester United)
Everyone seems to be talking about this young sensation who just can’t stop scoring. He was promoted in the senior team just couple of months ago and since then has scored 8 goals for Man United and was on target just after 135 seconds in to his International debut.
Despite being capped just once, he will be the X-factor England have so dearly lacked in recent years and perhaps will be the deciding factor in how far England do progress at Euro 2016 this summer.
Jonathan Williams (Wales/Crystal Palace)
The 22-year old wing wizard will be one of the players to watch out at the upcoming Euro 2016. Despite playing 11 games for Wales, Williams has spent majority of his career away from Selhurst Park.
He has been constantly loaned out in last 5 seasons, however, Palace now feel that Williams has evolved as a player and we may see fight for a first team place next season in Premier League.
Dele Alli (England/Tottenham)
The mercurial midfield ace will be England’s biggest chance of qualifying for the semi-finals or beyond at Euro 2016. His vision on the ball and ability to create chances out of nothing is unparalleled at the moment in England’s camp.
Despite only 7 caps to his name, Alli will be a guaranteed starter at the Euros and will be one of the key players to look out for at this summer’s Euro Championship.
Anthony Martial (France/Manchester United)
Much like Rashford, Anthony Martial was an unknown quantity for Man United fans at the start of last season. The £38million spent on him looked stupid at the time but the Frenchman has really hit the ground running immediately by scoring on his debut against Liverpool.
Martial suddenly became the main man at Old Trafford and ended up with 17 goals last season. It was only few months ago when he was handed his international debut. Despite only 8 caps to him name, Martial will be one of the leading players for France and look to make a real impact at Euro 2016.