5 Players to Watch at the 2021 Under-21 European Championship
The 2021 Under-21 European Championship kicks off this week, with England looking to win the trophy for the first time since 1984. The competition will be held in Romania and Georgia, and the BBC Sport website and app will provide match reports and features. Here are five players who could grab the headlines in this tournament.
Mykhailo Mudryk (Ukraine, winger)
Mykhailo Mudryk is a player who needs no introduction. The winger was bought by Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk for £89m in January, and has since made 15 appearances and started just seven times. Though he has yet to adapt to life in the Premier League, he has shown glimpses of his undoubted talent. This tournament is an opportunity for Mudryk to get some competitive game time and find some form before the new season under Mauricio Pochettino. He has already represented the senior Ukrainian side in this international break, so there is much more to come from this electric winger.
Levi Colwill (England, centre-half)
Levi Colwill had an excellent season while on loan at Brighton from Chelsea, helping the Seagulls qualify for the Europa League. His performances have reportedly seen Brighton bid £40m for the defender, who is the latest product off the Cobham talent line. Colwill was asked to train with the senior England squad during their preparation camp at St George’s Park, and manager Gareth Southgate praised his “mentality and temperament”. He will be a key part of England’s defence at this tournament.
Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany, forward)
Youssoufa Moukoko is one of the brightest young strikers in Europe. He holds the records for the youngest player to play in the Bundesliga as well as the youngest player to score in the competition, and is the youngest player to feature in the Champions League. The 18-year-old has already represented the senior German side, playing at the World Cup in Qatar. Erling Haaland says Moukoko is already better than him when they were the same age – high praise indeed. Moukoko could develop into one of the most feared goal scorers in the game.
Sandro Tonali (Italy, midfielder)
Sandro Tonali is one of the oldest players at this tournament, at 23 years old. He is a key part of AC Milan’s side and already has a Scudetto medal in his trophy cabinet. Tonali was part of the Milan side that reached the Champions League semi-finals and his performances have attracted interest from clubs across Europe, including some in the Premier League. He will be an important leader for Italy as they look to progress from a tough group which features a talented France squad.
Rayan Cherki (France, attacking midfielder)
Rayan Cherki is still only 19 years old but has already made his debut for Lyon in 2019 aged just 16. He joins a long list of high-profile players to have come through Lyon’s academy system, including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, Anthony Martial, Hatem Ben Arfa and Alexandre Lacazette. Cherki has been linked with a number of top teams across Europe and there has reportedly been interest from Paris St-Germain and Newcastle recently. With the number 10 shirt, he will be given the chance to showcase his talent at this tournament.