The Euro 2008 shop window opens in a week’s time – managers across Europe will have their scouting scopes trained at the 8 Euro 2008 stadiums looking for the best and brightest young talent to bring in during the following transfer window.
Here’s a look at the 5 hottest prospects traveling to Euro 2008 this summer:
Jakub Blaszczykowski (Poland & Borussia Dortmund)
The 22-year-old right winger has been rested from Poland’s recent friendlies while he recovers from a thigh strain, but will start the Group A opener against Germany. A technically-gifted wide man who invites challenges and has been criticised for simulating fouls in the Bundesliga. Blaszczykowski was sent off in the German Cup final in April for two yellow cards – the first of them for diving. ‘Kuba’ admits he’s always fancied a move to Spain but Borussia’s price-tag may put off a few clubs as he is only one year into a four-year contract.
Clubs interested: Lazio
Clubs that should be interested: Werder Bremen, Schalke, Villarreal, Racing Santander
Mario Gomez (VfB Stuttgart & Germany)
Tall, technical striker who has forced his way onto the international scene and the shopping lists of some of Europe’s biggest clubs during his meteoric rise in the past two seasons. The son of a Spaniard from Granada is of the most clinical finishers in Germany and wins more than his fair share of aerial balls. Gomez is tied to Stuttgart until 2012, but they didn’t qualify for the Champions League and the Bundesliga may not be hold him for long.
Clubs interested: Real Madrid, Arsenal
Clubs that should be interested: Manchester United, Tottenham, Barcelona
Vassilis Torosidis (Olympiakos & Greece)
The bright young hope of Greek football has nailed down a regular starting berth in the national team at left-back, despite having played as a right-back for both his clubs, Skoda Xanthi and now Olympiakos. The 22-year-old, who celebrates his next birthday on the day Greece meet Sweden, is known for his attacking instincts and pace.
Clubs interested: Rangers, Newcastle, Benfica, Porto
Clubs that should be interested: AC Milan,
Gokhan Inler (Switzerland & Udinese)
A tactically adept, disciplined, holding midfielder who wins the ball back in the modern style – by closing down oppnents and picking off poor touches and passes. Inler, who is of Turkish origin, was a revelation in his first season in Serie A with Udinese. The 23-year-old was named second best foreign player in the league by Gazzetta dello Sport and looks set for a starring role at Euro 2008 as the first choice in Switzerland’s engine room.
Clubs interested: Barcelona, Juventus, Lazio, Liverpool, Manchester City
Clubs that should be interested: Inter, Arsenal, Tottenham,
Bafetimbi Gomis (France & St Etienne)
At 22, Gomis appears to have the raw ability to become another Didier Drogba and has been a regular scorer in Lige 1 for the past two seasons, with tallies of 10 and 16. His strength and finishing prowess were underlined when he recentkly became the first French player to score two goals on his international debut since Zinedine Zidane. The St Etienne star appaers to have a mature head on his young shoulders and is known for his team play and hard-work ethic on the training pitch. He has also stated he’d prefer a move to Italy over a switch to a lower-placed English club.
Clubs interested: Aston Villa, Bolton, Newcastle, Marseille, Sevilla, VfB Stuttgart
Clubs that should be interested: AC Milan, Arsenal, Barcelona, Fiorentina, Manchester United
Who do you think managers should be watching this summer?
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