U21 Euros: standout players at the tournament in Romania and Georgia
Newcastle fans will be keeping a close eye on Italy’s progression at the Under-21 Euros, particularly the performances of Sandro Tonali. The 23-yearold Milan midfielder seems likely to join the club this summer for £60m. He is performing well at the tournament in Romania and Georgia, having already set up two goals for the Azzurrini as they chase a sixth U21 Euros title.
Emile Smith Rowe, England
This was not a memorable season for Emile Smith Rowe. He had to watch from the sidelines as Arsenal led for most of the campaign before finishing five points behind the eventual league champions, Manchester City. The 22year-old registered just 164 minutes of action in the league as he struggled with injury. He seems hell bent on making up for lost time this summer. He has scored in both of England’s games so far – 2-0 wins against the Czech Republic and Israel. England have not won the tournament since 1984, when Mark Hateley was their top scorer, but they are one of the favourites this year and Smith Rowe looks as if he is on a mission.
Giorgi Tsitaishvili, Georgia
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has put Georgian football back on the map with his outstanding performances for Napoli. Giorgi Tsitaishvili will be hoping to have a similar impact as his career develops. The 22-year-old winger, like Tonali, has two assists to his name this summer. He is already a full Georgia international and will prove of interest to scouts in the coming months.
Michael Olise, France
Olise was born in England to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother, so was eligible to represent four national teams. He has plumped for France. A sub in their opening 2-1 win over Italy, the Crystal Palace midfielder started against Norway and scored the only goal of the game. Given the incredible talent in the France squad, his goal will serve him well as he looks to consolidate his spot in the team. France have not won the U21 Euros since 1988, when Eric Cantona was up front and Laurent Blanc was the player of the tournament. Olise and his teammates are trying to emulate that side.
Danylo Sikan, Ukraine
Sikan scored four goals for Ukraine when they won the U20 World Cup four years ago – only Erling Haaland scored more at the tournament (he scored nine in one match). Ukraine will be looking to go all the way again and they have made a solid start, beating Croatia and co-hosts Romania in their first two games. Sikan was on the scoresheet against Croatia. In 2019, three of his four goals came in the knockout stages, so the Shakhtar Donetsk forward is one to watch in the coming weeks.
Sergio Gómez, Spain
Like Smith Rowe, Sergio Gómez wants to maximise his playing time this summer after a season of watching the title race from the sidelines. He joined Manchester City last year but has only started two games in the Premier League. Gómez has made forward strides with Spain though – he has been directly involved in three of their four goals at the tournament. Having already won the U17 and U19 Euros, he is aiming to add the U21s to his set this summer.
Abel Ruiz, Spain
Staying with Spain, Abel Ruiz is the team’s starting frontman in Georgia and Romania after a campaign in which he scored eight goals and provided six assists for Braga. Ruiz did his reputation no harm against Croatia last time out, scoring with just 20 seconds on the clock – the fastest goal in the tournament’s history. If he stays sharp, Braga will surely be fending off bids for his services.
Micky van de Ven, Netherlands
The Dutch have drawn their first two games at the tournament so far, tough assignments against Belgium and Portugal. The Jong Oranje have conceded just one goal, with the performances of Micky van de Ven catching the eye. The Wolfsburg centre-back is a man in demand this summer, with Tottenham apparently keeping tabs on the 22-year-old. They will be impressed by what they have seen so far.
Kastriot Imeri, Switzerland
Imeri did not enjoy the most prolific campaign for Young Boys, scoring just five times, but the winger has scored in both of Switzerland’s games at the U21 Euros so far. The midfielder hit the winner against Norway and scored in an entertaining 3-2 defeat to Italy. Imeri will be hoping to keep up his scoring run when Switzerland face France in their final group game.
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