Each day passes, and the hype for this year’s European Championship grows. The Euros have always been a splendid spectacle, keeping fans worldwide on the edge of their seats, and 2024 will be no different.

Amid the captivating storylines, this edition of the Euros also presents a golden opportunity for the new generation of players to make their mark. It’s a chance for them to display their talents on a world-renowned stage with millions of eyes watching every flick and every trick.

These are my rising stars who can light up Euro 2024.

Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United, England) – At 18, the Manchester United academy product quickly and quite unexpectedly established himself as United’s most influential midfielder, even scoring the winning goal in the FA Cup final against rivals Man City.

Mainoo’s sensational form earned him a shock call-up to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. Possessing poise, quality, work-rate, and the uncanny knack for being in the right place at the right time, Mainoo could be the wildcard England needs to break their major tournament hoodoo.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain) – When it comes to young players in world football, there are not many, if any, better than this 16-year-old. Yamal brings flair and elegance, but, most impressively, a certain calmness unheard of for a 16-year-old playing first-team football.

Yamal’s exceptional performances earned him the prestigious award for best La Liga U/23 player of the year before even turning 17. Let’s hope for football fans worldwide and, more importantly, for Spain manager Luis De la Fuente that this prodigy stays fit, as his talents are genuinely ‘generational.’

Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig, Netherlands) – Xavi Simons has been the subject of hype ever since his youth days in Barcelona. However, the La Masia product has never quite met these expectations for club and country.

Now at 21, the Dutchman has found his identity at an individual level, thriving for PSV and now RB Leipzig after moving on from PSG. Possessing elite footballing IQ and attacking prowess, Simons is due for a breakout tournament, and this instalment of the Euros could be the one Oranje fans have been longing for.

Joao Neves (Benfica, Portugal) – With links to major European clubs such as Manchester United and Liverpool, 19-year-old Joao Neves is undoubtedly the best up-and-coming talent in Portugal. Intelligent, poised, and solid when the whips are cracking, Neves plays beyond his years and will be crucial in helping anchor this talented Portuguese team.

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany) – The Bundesliga golden boy could be the difference-maker for the host nation. In Germany’s friendly against France, where Witrz practically scored from the kick-off, the 21-year-old brings dynamism and a high attacking work rate alongside Jamal Musiala to complement a conservative, control-based midfield. Wirtz’s ability to create scoring opportunities from midfield could be a key element in helping the hosts make a deep run.

Coming off an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign, who knows what type of magic Leverkusen’s maestro can weave for Nagelsmann with the game plan revolving around him?

Warren Zaire-Emery (PSG, France) – The 18-year-old enjoyed a stellar season under new manager Luis Enrique, playing 43 games in all competitions, including 11 in PSG’s Champions League run. His club coach has praised his work ethic and versatility, stating, “Warren is a player who can adapt to different positions and always gives his best on the field.”

Suppose Deschamps gives the midfielder solid minutes in this tournament amidst a star-studded squad. In that case, we will witness an impressive all-around package with a robust defensive work rate, sharp passing, and sneaky-good finishing.

Arda Guler (Real Madrid, Turkey) – At 19, Arda Guler did not feature prominently in his first season at Los Blancos, but when he did, he made an instant impact, scoring six goals in ten league matches. These goals were crucial in securing important points for Real Madrid, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and his potential to be a game-changer for Turkey in the Euros.

Unlike his role in Madrid, the former Fenerbahce wonder kid will be one of Turkey’s most important players, so expect him to play good minutes and dazzle through defences with his wand of a left foot.

A good tournament may propel the Turk into Ancelotti’s first XI next season; watch this space.

Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao, Spain) – With Yamal likely to start on the right wing, the left wing could be Nico Williams’ for the taking. Enjoying a solid campaign with Bilbao, Williams, alongside older brother Inaki, guided the Basque side to a memorable Copa Del Rey victory.

Pamplona-born Williams brings energy, an electrifying pace on the wings, and the ability to put in a good ball, as evidenced by his astounding 17 assists in all competitions from 37 games. Already targeted by Premier League clubs such as Tottenham, Williams can further his value by performing well in these Euros.

Jeremy Doku (Manchester City, Belgium) – As Belgium transitions to a new generation, perhaps the main face of that will be 21-year-old Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku. The Belgian’s previous international performances, including a standout performance against England in the Nations League, where he scored a crucial goal, demonstrate the signs of a player elevating his game to the next level.

Cutting inside or taking it down the line, the former Anderlecht youth product is poised to bring his electrifying talents to the European stage in a big way after a solid first season, winning the league with Man City while playing an important role.

Don’t be surprised if Belgium exceeds expectations; Jeremy Doku will be the prominent name that lights up headlines.