On one of the biggest of all stages, stars will be made.
One of the (many) great parts of a major soccer tournament is that young up-and-coming players will get the opportunity to shine, and on some occasions it helps catapult them to stardom. Think Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2004 or James Rodriguez at the 2014 World Cup.
So who are the candidates to break out in France at Euro 2016? Here’s a look at one player per group who could explode onto the international scene over the next month:
KINGSLEY COMAN, 19
Position: Winger
Country: France (Group A)
Club Team: Bayern Munich
The young Frenchman already plays a prominent role with Bayern Munich, earning 27 starts for the Bundesliga champions in all competitions in 2015-16. Coman, however, has stayed out of the spotlight, mostly due to the fact he hasn’t featured prominently on the score sheet in his short career.
But the multi-talented Parisian offers a versatility not rivaled by many players his age; Coman lined up in 10 different positions for Bayern this past season, contributing goals from five of them.
Coman’s not likely to draw into France’s starting lineup in the first game, but when given the chance he’ll no doubt shine in his first major tournament for Les Bleus.
DELE ALLI, 20
Position: Midfielder
Country: England (Group B)
Club Team: Tottenham
Alli’s stock soared this season with a breakout campaign for Spurs, playing a crucial role in Tottenham’s best top flight finish since 1989-90. The 20-year-old scored 10 goals and chipped in nine assists on his way to a PFA Young Player of the Year award.
While Alli still has plenty of growing up to do—his hot temper continues to hurt his reputation—a successful showing with the Three Lions this month could see Alli’s star continue to rise.
LEROY SANE, 20
Position: Winger
Country: Germany (Group C)
Club Team: Schalke
Sane is already one of the more highly-touted youngsters in Europe and the list of teams interested in his services proves it: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
An attacking midfielder most comfortable on the right side, Sane started 29 games for Schalke this past season, including six in the Champions League, in various positions around the field and proved dangerous from all of them.
The 20-year-old’s primary weapon is his speed. Coupled with good ball control, Sane’s quickness makes him a major threat in one-on-one situations.
With Germany’s depth, Sane isn’t likely to see first team action, but don’t be surprised if he becomes an impactful substitute in some key situations in France.
MORE ON EURO 2016: Sportsnet has you covered with in-depth coverage of Euro 2016 in France, which runs from June 10 to July 10.
• Match schedule || Group standings || Live scoreboard || Latest news
• Profiles: All 24 teams || History of Euro || Top 10 moments in Euro history
• Sportsnet’s predictions || 10 players to watch || Five key group stage games
ALVARO MORATA, 23
Position: Striker
Country: Spain (Group D)
Club Team: Juventus
Playing behind Paulo Dybala at Juve, Morata only made 22 starts this season. Due to limited time on the pitch, the 23-year-old scored just 12 goals along with nine assists in all competitions.
But at Euro 2016, Morata will be given the chance to steal the spotlight. The versatile forward will be Spain’s primary attacking option in France and could benefit greatly from the talented players around him.
Already on the radar of a handful of other top-tier clubs throughout Europe, a goal-filled Euro would do plenty of good for the Madrid native.
YANNICK CARRASCO, 22
Position: Winger
Country: Belgium (Group E)
Club Team: Atletico Madrid
From Kevin De Bruyne to Eden Hazard to Romelu Lukaku, Belgium enters Euro 2016 in its “Golden Generation” with plenty of young, exciting talent who are expecting to take the Red Devils deep into the tournament. And while most of the focus will be on the names mentioned above, it could be Carrasco whose star shines brightest over the next month.
Signed by Atletico from Monaco last July for €20 million, Carrasco made 42 appearances for Madrid this past season—26 of them in the starting lineup—and played a crucial role in the team’s success domestically and, more importantly, in its run to the Champions League final.
However, the 22-year-old doesn’t have much experience on the international stage, only making his debut for the senior team in March 2015 and appearing in just three matches for Belgium since. But, despite a lack of caps, it would come as no surprise to see Carrasco making an impact in the Euros.
Just watch the video below and you’ll know what I mean.
JOÃO MÁRIO, 23
Position: Midfielder
Country: Portugal (Group F)
Club Team: Sporting CP
Mário thrived in 2015-16 in Jorge Jesus’ first season as Sporting manager, and is poised to break out in a big way with a prominent role in Portugal’s midfield in what could be a successful showing at Euro 2016.
At five-foot-10, the 23-year-old isn’t the biggest or fastest player on the field, but what he lacks in size and speed he makes up for in IQ, technique and an impeccable work rate.
Mário has already drawn interest from Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Inter Milan, but a standout showing in France would attract many more suitors.
