The group stages of Euro 2024 are consigned to the history books, with 16 teams from the 24 who qualified for the tournament ready to tackle the knockout rounds.
Spain have been in complete cruise control, Germany have been impressive, and the less said about England, France and Portugal to an extent, the better.
The real highlight of the tournament so far has been the standout performances of the wonderkids. Many have become genuine match-winners for their countries, ranging from a tricky 16-year-old winger with the world at his feet to a 21-year-old goalkeeper tasked with stopping anything in sight.
As part of 90min’s 24 for 24 series, here’s the ten best players aged 21 and under from the group stages – ranked 🤝
Nation: Portugal 🇵🇹
Age: 21
Due to the wealth of talent at Roberto Martinez’s disposal in the offensive third, not too many Portugal fans were expecting Francisco Conceicao to get much game time this summer.
And having been subbed on in stoppage time in Portugal’s game against Czechia on matchday one, that’s how it looked like playing out. Then the 21-year-old popped up with a late, late winner for his nation to secure a vital win and more minutes – starting the game against Georgia as a result.
Nation: Netherlands 🇳🇱
Age: 21
The youngest starting goalkeeper at Euro 2024 certainly hasn’t looked out of place in between the sticks for the Netherlands.
Verbruggen was particularly impressive on matchday two, earning a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with France thanks to three crucial saves.
Nation: Turkey 🇹🇷
Age: 19
The fact that Turkey looked utterly hopeless in the one game which Kenan Yildiz didn’t start tells you all you really need to know.
The Juventus youngster has been the creative spark in Turkey’s frontline in both their wins at Euro 2024 thus far.
Nation: Netherlands 🇳🇱
Age: 21
He’s been in and out of the starting XI thus far, but Xavi Simons has had an impact when he’s played for the Netherlands this summer.
The creative wide player has one assist to his name and probably should have a game-winning goal against France to it too – a controversial VAR decision ruled his goal out.
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