The delayed European Championship 2020 finally kicks off this Friday, and there’s no better time for it to be on our screens after an eventful and thrilling campaign came to an end in each of Europe’s top five leagues. Many will be glad for more live football this summer, and that’s where the Euros comes in to deliver.
24 exciting nations battle it out for the prestigious trophy, and only one can come out victorious come the finale in July. Who will it be? Will holders Portugal retain their crown? What about the other favourites; Germany, Spain, France, England and Italy? Which nation will become the surprise package?
It will be a tournament that will surely bring much entertainment as well as many thrills and spills as we journey on in one of football’s most grandest international stages.
One aspect we’ll certainly be sure to look out for, is which footballer will be the defining performer for their nation this summer? Who will rise up and place their name in the headlines.? There will be some exciting and extremely talented players on show for each nation, and I pick out a player we should all be keeping our eyes on this summer from each of the 24 nations.
So, without further ado…
AUSTRIA
Xaver Schlager (Wolfsburg)
Austria will be one of the surprise packages to watch this summer, and could well be a nation wreaks havoc throughout the tournament. Filled with an array talent and experience in their camp, and a group of bright, young and exciting weapons in their arsenal. David Alaba is the headline name for Austria as well as Premier League alumni forward, Marko Arnautovic (Shanghai Port), Marcel Sabitzer & Konrad Laimer (Leipzig), wonderkid Christoph Baumgartner (Hoffenheim), though one name expected to grab the spotlight if provided the opportunity and has undergone a tremendous Bundesliga campaign is Wolfsburg’s midfield engine Xaver Schlager.
Wolfsburg have been one of the revelations of an extraordinary Bundesliga campaign, finishing in the Champions League places for the first time in a number of years, and a team rapidly undergoing a superb transition and Austrian midfielder Schlager has been a huge part of the progression, a steady and reliable performer for club coach and Austrian, Oliver Glasner. Every team this summer needs a workhorse, a player who will run through brick walls, and Austria have that in abundance in Schlager.
A hard-working, energetic but also a technically proficient performer, the 23-year-old is ready to take that next step in his career and making his mark in such a prestigious competition this summer is a perfect way to start.
BELGIUM
Youri Tielemans (Leicester City)
Need we say more on the talents and abilities of arguably Leicester’s most talented footballer, Youri Tielemans? Leicester can thank the Belgian maestro for capturing their first ever domestic cup triumph. His superb rafting drive that left Kepa in the Chelsea goal helpless, securing Leicester their first trophy under Brendan Rodgers and first ever FA Cup win. Tielemans has been an ever-present in the Leicester City camp this season, and is surely going to go on and make waves for Belgium too, this summer.
Belgium are one of the favourites to lift the coveted trophy come July, and if they are to have any chances of fulfilling those expectations, they’d need Tielemans fit and firing in midfield. The 24-year-old has rapidly morphed into the complete midfielder this season under Brendan Rodgers, not just fulfilling the roles of a deep-lying orchestrator but a supreme box-to-box player, a consummate midfield destroyer and a chief creator whenever James Maddison is absent. All of those roles he performs in one. 6 goals and 4 assists in the English top-flight season highlights his stark contribution and importance to Leicester City’s cause.
Tielemans has already put his name on the map in recent years, but can he now place himself amongst the best midfielders in Europe this summer?
CROATIA
Josip Brekalo, Wolfsburg
Like Xaver Schlager, Croatia’s wing wizard Josip Brekalo has played a huge part in Wolfsburg’s success domestically this season. Croatia are a team filled with a number of talented footballers but Brekalo is sure to be the one that stands out. 7 goals and 3 assists for Wolfsburg this season, shows that the 22-year-old has a lot to offer. He turns 23 during the tournament and its about time people stand up and notice his abilities, and there’s no better platform for him to write his name in the headlines than at a European Championship.
Croatia’s first game is against England on June 13, and providing Brekalo is in the starting line-up, Southgate and his team will be in for a tough ride. Pacey, direct, tricky and a player built for the big occasion. Brekalo’s highlight reels display a number of key attribute which he possesses, he is excellent at retaining possession in tight situations and can resist opposition pressing as the stats bear out. Registering 3.62 shot-creating actions per 90, according to FBref goes to show how vital he will be to Croatia’s potency in the final third. Brekalo is a footballer who makes things happen.
Who knows, some notable performances this summer may well have him fielding a few calls from bigger clubs come the end of the tournament. Josip Brekalo is the future of Croatia, watch out for him.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Adam Hložek, Sparta Prague
Czech Republic will certainly be no pushovers this summer, if you need any assurances just ask Gareth Southgate’s England. They are an unpleasant side to deal with, rugged, efficient filled with non-stop workhorses. We’ve seen two of their best performers throughout the Premier League season in West Ham’s Vladimír Coufal and Tomas Soucek, and those two are the perfect embodiment of how Czech Republic are as a unit. Not the flashiest, but they’ll do a number on some of Europe’s best sides.
Though one player filled with such hope, optimism and excitement within the Czech camp and a player they’ll be looking to lead them in future is Sparta Prague’s 18-year-old hitman Adam Hložek who has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough season in the Czech Republic top-flight with 11 goals in 18 games for the club. The Czech starlet has been described as an ‘amazing talent’ and one of Europe’s brightest young forwards, and providing he is called upon to the side for this summer’s tournament. Fans will have to keep a watchful eye on this supreme talent.
Standing at 6ft 2in Hložek is tall, rangy, quick, and a real handy work for defenders for a player at just 18 years of age, but most importantly he’s got a real eye for goal shown in his 11 goals in just 18 outings this season. He’s already on the radar of West Ham, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund and if he impresses this summer, he attract many more top-tier suitors.
DENMARK
Mikkel Damsgaard, Sampdoria
A wonderful talent, and the future of Danish football. Mikkel Damsgaard is certainly one to keep your eyes on this summer. Touted as ‘the next Christian Eriksen’, Damsagaard has wowed many in Serie A this season, enjoying a remarkable breakthrough campaign for Claudio Ranieri at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Damsgaard is thought to be one of Serie A’s brightest young footballers, and rightly so. The 20-year-old has only 2 goals and 4 assists to his name this season, but his numbers will surely increase with age and maturity, but this is player already performing beyond his years. If you ever need evidence of a footballer who is referred to as an artist then Damsgaard is your man.
Across his four seasons of competitive football (one youth and three senior), Damsgaard has played in central midfield, on the left wing, as a number ten, and even up front, logging over 1,500 minutes in each position, owing to his incredible versatility, tactical proficiency and positional understanding. 2.34 final third passes, 1.37 key passes and 2.94 shot-creating actions per 90 highlights his ability to create chances for his teammates. He’s a unique forward/midfielder and if there’s ever a platform for him to make his name, the Euros this summer provides him with the ample opportunity. Let’s hope Denmark take risks and grant him that, because he is a very exciting player to watch.
ENGLAND
Phil Foden, Manchester City
England may well have one of the finest players of this generation on their hands, yes its Manchester City’s irresistible young 20-year-old midfielder, Phil Foden. 14 goals and 10 assists this campaign is simply unreal. Though, Foden should not be measured by his statistics alone.
This is a remarkable young talent, a player whose efforts, versatility, application, never-say-die attitude and willingness to learn and improve stands him out amongst the best footballers in the country. Certainly, this country loves to hype up its young stars but Phil Foden is worth all the supposed “unnecessary” praise. Whatever role Guardiola has asked of him this season, he’s performed with such fine composure, consummate ease and assuredness that players his age would kill for.
The Euros is the perfect spotlight for him, and Gareth Southgate will be a mad man to not utilise him from the off against Croatia. Foden can unlock defences with such pleasant ease. He’s skillful, technically excellent and a player with so many highlight reels. Yes, we talk about the likes of Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford or Mason Mount but England’s chances rest on whether Gareth Southgate can unlock the remarkable gifts and potential of Phil Foden. For your eyes only.
FINLAND
Teemu Pukki, Norwich
No doubt about it, Teemu Pukki will be central to any slim hopes Finland have of causing an upset in this summer’s tournament. The Norwich City hitman is a real penalty box predator, with 26 goals in the Championship this season. If given the opportunity and chances to score, he will deliver.
He an outside bet to finish amongst the top scorers in the competition, even if its during the group stages at least. 30 goals in 90 international caps for his country, Pukki will be hoping he reminds everyone just how good he can be in front of goal.
Don’t count Finland out too easily.
FRANCE
Jules Koundé, Sevilla
One of the most talked about young centre-backs in Europe right now. Jules Koundé has enjoyed a remarkable campaign in Seville, helping them to an impressive 4th placed finish in La Liga. His partnership with Diego Carlos has been unstoppable forming one of the best defences in Spain and in Europe. It’s unclear what Koundé’s positioning is in the French setup come their first game, whether he’s amongst the front runners to start or a back-up centre back, one thing he can take on board is he is the future of French football. Koundé’s been called up ahead of other prestigious young French centre-backs which goes to show how highly thought of he is within the French camp.
Not only a superb centre-back, but a tremendous footballer. Simply the complete package when it comes to defending. Quick, strong, agile, defensively sound with great defensive positioning and a recovery pace that so few on the continent can match. Also, a fantastic outlet with the ball at his feet, perfectly capable of bringing the ball out from the back and distributing play to his more attack-minded teammates. Koundé is amongst the top young centre-backs in Europe, if you’ve seen Sevilla this season, you’d know why.
GERMANY
Jamal Musiala, Bayern Munich
Its unclear what Jamal Musiala’s role will be in the German set up at the Euros, however like Koundé, Jamal Musiala has been one of the most talked about young prodigies in the game right now. The 18-year-old is a superb talent, and England will certainly feel disappointed he decided to represent Germany – the origin of his family – rather than the place he was born.
Despite being just 18, Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala has earned a spot as the youngest player in Joachim Löw’s Germany squad for UEFA Euro 2020.
Despite boasting a svelte physique tailor-made to slither through opposition defences, Musiala admits he wants to add some more muscle to his rangy 6′-tall frame. The Germany-born attacking midfielder prefers playing as a No.10 in behind the striker, but he can also play as a No.9. Predominantly right footed, but more than capable of using his left when needed, he also prides himself on his powerful shot.
Musiala is excellent technically, using his rangy frame to get by his markers through his excellent footwork, sharp turn of pace and a youthful exuberance that is real joy to watch. 7 goals and 2 assists is an impressive return for a player who is still finding his feel amongst some of the best players in the world.
If there is any teenager in the competition who you must keep an eye on, it is Bayern Munich’s stunning 18-year-old wonderkid.
HUNGARY
Willi Orbán, RB Leipzig
Hungary will be without their star man Dominik Szoboszlai for this summer’s tournament so they will be reliant on their next big star man, RB Leipzig’s ever-reliable centre back Willi Orbán who will surely be in for a hugely busy at the Euros considering his country is up against 3 of the tournament’s favourites in Portugal, Germany and France.
Hungary aren’t expected to pull up any trees in such a difficult and testing group but like North Macedonia they are certainly capable of the odd result here and there, if there is any chance of that happening they’d need to be a solid, attentive and organised unit in each of their three fixtures. Willi Orbán will be significantly key to Hungary’s defensive work this summer.
ITALY
Nicolò Barella, Inter Milan
Nicolò Barella over the past year, has been transformed into the complete midfielder under the departing Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte and proved a key figure alongside the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez and Marcelo Brozovic in the club’s impressive Serie A title triumph – their first in 11 years.
Nicolò Barella may not be the perennial goalscoring midfielder people expect of him, but what he offers is so unique and priceless to both Inter and Italy. He’s a non-stop box-to-box player, offering much in terms of his energy, passing, driving runs to initiate attacks and his bulldog approach to hustling and harrying his opponents. Barella is a gegen-pressing machine, a player who does not know his limits and is sure to be a key part in Italy’s pursuit of an unprecedented European Championship triumph. If he can lead Inter to a Serie A trophy this season, why can’t he do the same for his country.
Italy have been rejuvenated since Roberto Mancini’s appointment, and Nicolò Barella has been a massive part of that. Yet another priceless midfielder you cannot afford to take your eyes off in this summer’s tournament.
NETHERLANDS
Ryan Gravenberch, Ajax
The Netherlands like France, Germany, England and Italy have a plethora of superb young footballers to watch in their squads this summer, and there’s arguably none more so than Ajax’s prized asset Ryan Gravenberch.
Mark these words… Ryan Gravenberch is on course to be a star player in the future, one of the best in his position if everything goes to plan for him and that means steering clear of injuries.
Standing at 6ft tall with a relatively slight frame, its easy to see why many would consider Gravenberch to become the ‘next Paul Pogba’. If you ever see him in full flow, then you’d know why such comparisons exist.
With his massive presence in the heart of midfield, he aids his team tremendously in controlling the game and switching from defence to attack within an instant. Gravenberch’s youthful exuberance and elegance on the ball makes him a joy to behold in full flow, hustling and bustling his opponents as well as dribbling with the ball to get out of pressure. His nimble footwork and quick change of feet means he’s more than capable of dribbling his way out of trouble, even if its deep in his own half.
With his supreme uniqueness and abilities, Gravenberch has got to be a shoe-in for the Netherlands starting line-up this summer and if that it the case, you cannot afford to take your eyes off him for a second. A remarkable young product.
NORTH MACEDONIA
Eljif Elmas, Napoli
There’ll be no prizes for guessing that North Macedonia are arguably the smallest nation heading into this summer’s tournament and that some will argue that they are just there to make up the numbers. However, what most neutral fans hope for in these kind of tournaments is surprise packages and North Macedonia are certainly capable of providing that. They beat Germany in Berlin in March in their World Cup Qualifier, so they are capable of grinding out surprise results.
They have a handful of talents in their squad, though none more so than Napoli’s exciting 21-year-old attacking midfielder Eljif Elmas. He is need of a career rejuvenation after falling under the radar somewhat in Naples, and there’s no better for way for him to provide a telling reminder of his unique abilities than at a major international tournament. A ridiculously talented performer on his day blessed with excellent technical qualities and a composure that is very much needed in this North Macedonia squad. Elmas will certainly head into this tournament as arguably his nation’s most gifted performer.
POLAND
Jakub Moder, Brighton
You don’t score and perform well against England at Wembley as a young emerging player and not go on to have a big future in the game. Brighton’s latest addition Jakub Moder if he carries on this impressive upward trajectory is on course to fulfilling his massive potential.
Whenever the midfielder has been called upon by Graham Potter this season at the Amex Stadium, he has brought much cause for optimism and excitement as to how his future as a professional footballer is going to turn out. What’s impressive about the 22-year-old is, he isn’t fazed in playing out of position as has been the case for Brighton since his arrival, at times playing at left wing-back to cover for Brighton’s injury woes and he has duly delivered on every opportunity.
A fantastic technical player, and one who always looks to apply and express himself no matter the opposition. His performance against England at Wembley in March is a strong indication of that. He may be one of the less pleasing on the eye on this list, but that does not mean he doesn’t deserve some attention when Poland kick off their Euro campaign.
PORTUGAL
Pedro Gonçalves, Sporting Lisbon
One to watch from a star-studded Portugal squad isn’t Joao Felix, it isn’t even Cristiano Ronaldo. No, its Sporting Lisbon’s goal machine and wizard Pedro Gonçalves. 23 goals and 3 assists from 32 Primeira Liga outings is absolutely outstanding, and he isn’t even a striker.
Pedro Gonçalves holds that Frank Lampard nous and understanding about him, in that he doesn’t need to be a number 9 to get goals, to grab all of the headlines. He can do all of that from midfield and that has been exactly the case during the 2020/21 campaign, becoming a key figure in Sporting’s first Portuguese top-flight title triumph since 2002. Extraordinary accomplishments and Pedro Gonçalves has been a man to thank for all of that.
Pedro Gonçalves has established himself as a technically proficient performer. An attacking midfielder who is well-versed in becoming the sole-creative force in the team, as well as a consistent goal machine from midfield. He’s already drawn such stark comparisons to former player, Bruno Fernandes because of his influence and leadership in attack.
While his scoring statistics are alarming and will wow any reader or viewer, Gonçalves’ game transcends beyond his ability to score goals. It’s his understanding and intelligence of where to be not only in the box, but within the final third.
Gonçalves deserves much recognition right now, and there is no perfect way to put his name on the map than performing in one of the most grandest international stages of them all. A terrific player enjoying a terrific campaign. The future is certainly radiant for Pedro Gonçalves.
POLAND
Igor Diveev, CSKA Moskva
At just 21 years of age, Russia see Igor Diveev as a man to lead their back-line for many years to come and rightly so. The young centre-back has grown into an inspirational figure for CSKA Moskva this season, registering two goals and two assists; a record that most midfielders will be most impressed with. Not only that, his leadership skills, maturity levels and tactical defensive understanding is simply imperious. Don’t be surprised if a move to a top-level club in Europe materialises in future.
He’s yet to make a name for himself on the international stage, only featuring in two caps for Russia. However, he’s been thrust amongst the preliminary squad for the Euros this summer which means he’s got a huge role to play. Russia’s back-line has been in need of some fresh young legs for a while now, and Igor Diveev represents the perfect candidate to make that step up. His game deserves some rich acclaim, and this summer’s competition provides the perfect platform for him to make the grade.
SCOTLAND
John McGinn, Aston Villa
A leader amongst warriors. It’s about time John McGinn gathers the worldwide acclaim that his efforts, maturity, leadership and work-rate deserves. McGinn is an imperious midfielder, one who has rapidly morphed over the past year, into one of the most efficient midfielders in the Premier League.
Any slim chances Scotland have of getting out of their group this summer, McGinn will be vital and central to those hopes. He’s also picked up an unlikely reputation for scoring when it matters most for his country, and there’ll be no better platform for him to do that than at the Euros this summer, even as Scotland aim to not just be another number at the tournament. A central figure for both Aston Villa and Scotland, and finally people will see that this summer.
What a player.
SLOVAKIA
Martin Dúbravka, Newcastle
The only goalkeeper on this list, and a worthy candidate to go on and further make a name for himself on one of the biggest international platforms. Martin Dúbravka is certainly one of the most underrated keepers in the Premier League and a reliable figure in between the sticks for Newcastle this season.
Slovakia will have to rely on him heavily this summer, but surely that pressure will not hamper Dúbravka’s performances. It’s about time people saw how good a goalkeeper he really is.
SPAIN
Pedri, Barcelona
One of the most impressive teenage footballers in Europe right now. What a player Barcelona and Spain have on their roster. The 18-year-old is such a fine footballer, an elegant and a precise young footballer built in the same mould as the legendary Andres Iniesta. His nimble footwork, quick acceleration, ball carrying qualities, vision and tactical awareness for a player as young as he is, is simply out of this world.
Whenever, he is on the ball for Barcelona, his teammates are extremely confident in his abilities to create something out of nothing. 1.49 key passes, 4.40 final third passes, 2.94 shot-creating actions per 90 in La Liga is a testament to his unique skill-sets.
Pedri is one of the finest footballing teenagers in the world, a measured player, one who so cutely scans his surroundings, a player who has also built up an immeasurable understanding with Barcelona great Lionel Messi. The Argentinian has even expressed his delight and joy at playing alongside Pedri. His off-the-ball work is also a valuable commodity in his game, registering 7.05 successful pressures, and 3.10 interceptions + tackles per 90. Absolutely brilliant.
Ladies and gentleman, Pedri deserves every bit of your undivided attention this summer.
SWEDEN
Alexander Isak, Real Sociedad
You’ve got to wonder how Swedish bosses felt when a romantic return to the Swedish fold for Zlatan Ibrahimovic at this summers Euros was immediately halted because of injury. Their hopes of a potential dark-horse run dashed because their star man, and footballing showpiece was unfortunately ruled out of action for the immediate future.
However, Sweden needn’t worry, they’ve arguably got the next best thing in 21-year-old Alexander Isak. The Real Sociedad hitman has enjoyed a remarkable season in front of goal, becoming the first Swedish player since Zlatan to hit double figures for a Spanish club and also he has now scored more than Zlatan in a single La Liga season, hitting 17 goals.
A tremendous return, and a stat indicative of the fact that Sweden can now rest their hopes on a new hope. Isak is rapidly growing into the complete package. His game has tremendously matured over the past year under the tutelage of Imanul Alguacil. He’s not only a superb goalscorer, but a man who can now link play perfectly and hold up the ball for the likes of Oyarzabal and Portu.
Though, the most devastating weaponry in his arsenal, is his blistering speed, something we really hope to see at the Euros this summer. On so many occasions, we’ve seen Isak utilise his rapid quick legs to his advantage, easily ghosting past his markers to then go an score confidently. It isn’t all about Haaland, Alexander Isak is also performing at an unstoppable rate. His non-penalty goals per 90 of 0.52 is amongst the best strikers in Europe.
We now want to see that on one of the biggest international stages. It’s time Alexander Isak places his name in lights alongside the likes of Erling Haaland.
SWITZERLAND
Denis Zakaria, Gladbach
Remember when Denis Zakaria was one of the hot topics of conversation surrounding a big move to the Premier League? It seems a long time ago now. Injuries haven’t helped his progress so far, meaning he’s only started 15 games for Borussia Mochengladbach this season which doesn’t inspire any confidence. But if there’s a chance Zakaria can push through that big move he craves, then finding fitness and form at this summers Euros presents the perfect platform and opportunity for him.
No doubt about it, Zakaria still remains a big game player. When he is in full flow, he is simply unstoppable with his striking size, pace, power and sheer strength when shielding the ball. Also, his marauding runs from midfield has been a vital part of Marco Rose’s Gladbach tactics but they’ve massively struggled without it this season. Switzerland need that energy and dynamism now more than ever and its time Zakaria shows the whole Europe how good he is.
It’s time he shows those clubs who were once interested in his talented services how wrong they could be in turning away from him. It’s his future at the top top level on the line, its now time he delivers when his country need him most.
TURKEY
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, AC Milan
One of Europe’s most devastating creators. It’s a shame that Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s talents are only realised in some quarters around Europe rather than worldwide. He’s a prominent midfielder, a reliable and consistent performer for both AC Milan and Turkey where most of their play runs through him.
He is the orchestrator and chief creator. Any success Turkey have this summer as one of the competition’s underdogs will be centred around the abilities of Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Competently aiding AC Milan’s rise to an unprecedented second place in Serie A this season, Turkey will be relying on him in the same vein this summer.
The 27-year-old ended the league campaign with nine assists to show for his creativity and was a key contributor to Milan securing Champions League qualification for the first time in eight years.
A set-piece specialist, Calhanoglu was in great form for Turkey in the recent World Cup qualifiers, scoring twice and providing three assists in 213 minutes of action.
At 27 years of age, its about time Hakan Çalhanoğlu shows the whole world what he’s about. If you are indeed the best chance creator in Europe, you’ve got to show it in Europe’s most prestigious international competition right?
UKRAINE
Viktor Tsygankov, Dynamo Kyiv
Arguably the most talented prospect to emerge from Ukraine since Andriy Shevchenko. Viktor Tsygankov is a player beginning to turn a lot of scouting heads around Europe. 12 goals and 4 assists from 20 league games for Dynamo Kiev this season and two goals in their Champions League campaign has propelled Tsygankov to become arguably Ukraine’s brightest hope since the AC Milan legend.
This incredibly gifted young forward will certainly be grabbing much headlines in the coming future, not just at club level but also at international level with the delayed Euro 2020 taking place this summer. A number of scouts will certainly be on notice, and Viktor Tysgankov will certainly be trying to put the feelers out on a big move in the near future, what better way to do just that than at this summers prestigious competition.
Very few players from Eastern Europe has or can excite fans like Viktor Tsygankov, that’s why he is arguably one of the most coveted players to emerge from that side of the continent.
An incredibly agile, skillful and technically gifted winger, Tsygankov has quickly demanded the attention and respect of his peers through his show-stopping abilities and eye-catching match winning performances. The old saying of letting your feet and performances on the pitch do the talking can be applied to the Ukrainian wonderkid.
He will be a key player for Ukraine this summer, and its time he shows why the whole nation places such huge trust in him. Tysgankov will be expected to repay that faith.
WALES
David Brooks, Bournemouth
It would be hugely surprising if David Brooks remains a Bournemouth player come the start of the 2021/22 campaign. To put it simply, Brooks is simply too good to be playing Championship football. However, the injuries have not helped his progress. His maiden Premier League campaign was simply brilliant until he suffered a terrible knee injury that kept him out for over a year.
Presently, Wales will be relying on him to deliver along with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson, Dan James and Gareth Bale which means the pressure doesn’t rest solely on him. We know David Brooks is a uniquely gifted performer but can he translate that on a more consistent basis. The 23-year-old is certainly good enough to be playing in a top 10 Premier League club. His talent is wasted in the Championship, but he’s got to show that. David Brooks now has the chance to make a name for himself, to provide his detractors proof that he can make it at the top grade.
Hopefully, he’ll be provided with the platform and opportunity to thrive.
anthonyscouts.co.uk 