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Young stars
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Lewis Baker, Marco Asensio… running down the five stars to watch out for at the European Under-21 Championship
THERE’S no fix of senior international action this summer but the European Under-21 Championship starts today with players from the nine competing nations getting their shot at stardom.
At every tournament someone catches the eye, but that is no guarantee of future success.
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In 2015 Sweden pulled off a shock by winning the trophy for the first time, but only Victor Lindelof, by joining Manchester United this week, has gone on to bigger things.
The England, Germany, Spain, Italy and Portugal squads are packed with star names already playing for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
But who will take the tournament by storm? have come up with five players tipped to shine.
Lewis Baker (England)
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IN 2015 Gareth Southgate’s England squad included Harry Kane, John Stones and Jesse Lingard.
But the Young Lions still crashed out at the first hurdle, finishing bottom of a group which included Portugal, Italy and eventual winners Sweden.
There are fewer household names in Aidy Boothroyd’s squad this time but no lack of talent with Chelsea’s Baker one of the stand-outs as England look to get out their group for the first time since 2009.
The 22-year-old creative midfielder has spent the last two seasons on loan in the Eredivisie at Vitesse Arnhem, the Blues’ unofficial sister club, scoring 15 times and assisting a further six from midfield.
With Antonio Conte’s side in the Champions League next season a slot could open up for Baker at Stamford Bridge and a strong Euros performance would do him no harm.
Marco Asensio (Spain)
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HE won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid this season – scoring in the 4-1 demolition of Juventus in the final – but Asensio is far from a Galactico at the world’s biggest club.
The talented 21-year-old was a regular in Zinedine Zidane’s matchday squad last season and made 23 league appearances, scoring three and assisting two, as Real completed their first league and European double since 1958.
He has a job on his hands to break into Los Blancos’ attack with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema the coach’s preferred trio.
However, Real clearly rate the former Mallorca man who is set to sign a new deal until 2023 with a £310m release clause included.
Jeremy Toljan (Germany)
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THE Hoffenheim defender was busy impressing on the international stage last summer too, playing in six matches as Germany’s Under-23s finished as Olympic silver medallists.
Toljan, who can play at right or left-back or further forward, took another sizeable leap forward in his development in 2016/17, making 20 Bundesliga appearances for the village club.
His form has seen him linked with north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
If Spurs lose Kyle Walker – he is a Manchester City transfer target – then a move for the athletic 22-year-old would make perfect sense.
Patrik Schick (Czech Republic)
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HARDLY known outside of his homeland and Italy at the start of the season, Sampdoria striker Schick is now hot property after an excellent first season in Serie A.
The 21-year-old is unlikely to remain unknown for long, regardless of how the Czech Republic perform in Group C, as Serie A champions Juventus are expected to complete a move for the striker this summer.
Schick scored 11 times in just 14 league starts for Samp last season, helping the Genoese club to a tenth-place finish.
More impressive, still, was the fact Schick averaged a goal every 136 minutes.
With ten goals in just nine Under-21 caps, Schick is also wanted by Inter Milan.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)
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IT has been a big week for the heir to Gianluigi Buffon’s throne as Italy’s No1.
On Thursday it was confirmed Donnarumma would not sign a new contract with AC Milan meaning a move this summer is likely.
Donnarumma is out of contract in 12 months and shares agent Mino Raiola with Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
If Milan want to cash in this is their chance.
At 18 the keeper’s talent is frightening. He has been Milan’s No1 since making his debut for the Rossoneri as a 16-year-old in October 2015.
Manchester United and Manchester City have both been linked with the 6ft 5in stopper who is also a Real Madrid transfer target.
A move to the Bernabeu seems most likely with Real seeking a long-term replacement for Keylor Navas.
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