Lamine Yamal, Spanish teenager who lit up the European Championship 2024

What sets Yamal apart is his unique blend of creativity, work rate, and vision on the field. He has been praised by fans and pundits alike for his ability to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Off the field, Yamal is known for his humility and dedication to his craft. He has become a role model for young players in Spain and beyond, inspiring them with his journey from a young immigrant to a national team star.

Lamine Yamal

Spain, Barcelona, Age 16 

His skills are outrageous, and his maturity (at 16 years and 362 days) belies reason. At no stage has Yamal shown any sign of nerves. His exploits in La Liga for Barca had made waves, and Yamal made this Euro his graduation ceremony. 

As Xavi says, “He will mark an era.” 

Lamine Yamal key stats in Euro Cup 2024
 

• Matches Played: 6
• Minutes Played: 418 (average 69.67 per match)
• Goals: 1
• Total Attempts: 16 (average 2,67 per match)
• Assists (average 0.5 3 per match)
• Passing Accuracy: 80.3%
• Speed: 32.1 km/h

Jamal Musiala

Germany, Bayern Munich, Age 21

Jamal Musiala, the 21-year-old star, lit up Euro 2024 with his exceptional performances. Not an unknown quantity, Musiala is playing his second Euro and represented Germany in the Qatar World Cup too. He scored three times in the first four games, showcasing his brilliance.

Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann says Musiala must keep playing “like he is on a small pitch in Germany or England with his friends.” With the German old guard taking a bow after their quarterfinal exit, it’s time for Musiala to carry the torch ahead for Die Mannschaft.

• Matches Played: 5
• Minutes Played: 423 (average 84.6 per match)
• Goals: 3
• Total Attempts: 10 (average 2 per match)
• Assists: 0
• Passing Accuracy: 91.2%
• Speed: 34.7 km/h

Arda Guler

Turkey, Real Madrid, Age 19

Arda Guler, the 19-year-old sensation from Turkiye, made a name for himself with his thunderous strike against Georgia. Despite not adding to his tally, Guler played a pivotal role in Turkey’s run to the quarterfinals. His skills and maturity have drawn comparisons to the legendary Mesut Ozil.

• Matches Played: 5
• Minutes Played: 342 (average 68.4 per match)
• Goals: 1
• Total Attempts: 8 (average 1.6 per match)
• Assists: 2 (average 0.4 per match)
• Passing Accuracy: 88.2%
• Top Speed: 31.9 km/h

Kobbie Mainoo

England, Manchester United, Age 19

Kobbie Mainoo, the 19-year-old midfielder, cemented his place in the England team during Euro 2024. His goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City has become folklore, and his performances in the Euro showed poise, balance, intelligence, and work ethic, making him a crucial player for England’s future.

• Matches Played: 5
• Minutes Played: 300 (average 60 per match)
• Goals: 0
• Balls Recovered: 9
• Assists: 0
• Passing Accuracy: 94.4%
• Top Speed: 30.5 km/h

Bart Verbruggen

Netherlands, Brighton, Age 21

Bart Verbruggen, the youngest keeper to play in the Euro for 60 years, made his mark with key saves throughout the tournament. His performance in the quarterfinal against Turkey, where he made crucial stops, helped the Netherlands secure a spot in the semifinals.

• Matches Played: 6
• Minutes Played: 540 (average 90 per match)
• Saves: 18 (average 3 per match)
• Clean Sheets: 2
• Goals Conceded: 7
• High Claims: 8
• Low Claims: 8

These young talents have shown exceptional skill and promise, making Euro 2024 a tournament to remember. As they continue to grow and develop, they are sure to become the stars of the future in international football.