5 players to look out for at Euro 2016

Let’s face facts; football predictions can go awry at the best of times, let alone when you are attempting to forecast the winner of a major international tournament (such as the upcoming European Championships in France this summer). The competitive nature of these tournaments, not to mention the fine margins that exist between the leading sides, make it almost impossible to determine which team will go on achieve the ultimate success.
Instead, by following the latest Euro 2016 news it is far easier to predict which players could emerge as household names after European finals.

Leroy Sané, Germany

While this talented forward may not be a regular starter in the German team at present, his pace, energy and dribbling skills mark him as the type of impact player that can shine from the substitute bench during the Euros. Schalke’s young starlet plundered five goals and four assists in his first 16 outings this term, while he initially shot to prominence after scoring in the German sides thrilling 4-3 win at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid last season.

Jeff Hendrick, Republic of Ireland

While winger Jeff Hendrick plies his trade in the Championship with Derby County, his pace and wizardry mean that he may well start for the Irish in France this summer. An international regular at every level from U-15, the 23-year old made his full debut in 2013 and has not looked back since. One of the few members of Martin O’Neill’s squad with genuine flair, Hendrix could provide goals and incision in the final third this summer.

Oscar Hiljemark, Sweden

Sweden’s U-21 side starred during the last European Championships, with a handful of these star-studded youngsters having since made the transition to full international football. Take Oscar Hiljemark, for example, who captained the Under-21 side to its recent success and currently plies his trade in Serie A with Palermo. An eye-catching, box-to-box midfielder great balance and technique, he is made for the demands of international football and could shine at the Euros.

Emir Kujovic, Sweden

Another Swedish starlet, Yugoslavian-born Emir Kujovic recently achieved prominence as the national league’s leading scorer with 21 goals for IFK Norrkoping. The young strikers maturity, power and finishing prowess fired his club side to an unexpected title triumph (their first since 1989), while Kujovic was rewarded with his full international debut towards the end of 2015. With the Swedes so reliant on Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack, young Kujovic could yet steal the show as a prominent goal threat.

Nolito, Spain

This Barcelona reject is 29 years old, and was written off as a journeyman prior to signing with Celta Vigo in La Liga. The last 18 months have seen Nolito emerge as one of the most potent and explosive forwards in the Spanish top-flight, firing his club side into the top four and forcing his way into the international side as a result. Not only is he now been linked with a return to the Catalan giants, but he could well add the pace and goal threat that has been sorely lacking in the Spanish squad since the decline of Fernando Torres.