Euro 2008 Prospects

Euro 2008 Talent

Andy Greeves looks at the players who may shine at Euro 2008.

Igor Akinfeev (Russia)

The talented Russian goalkeeper has already made over 100 appearances for his club CSKA Moscow. In the 2006/2007 Champions League, Akinfeev kept four clean sheets, including two against Arsenal. Its no surprise therefore that Arsene Wenger is a known admirer of the 22-year old shot-stopper for the Russian national team.

Tranquillo Barnetta (Switzerland)

The tricky Swiss midfielder was short-listed by FIFA for their Best Young Player award at the 2006 World Cup. Bayer Leverkusen’s 22-year old star has been linked with a move to a host of top European clubs this summer... and West Ham United.

Ivan Rakitic (Croatia)

Swiss-born Rakitic will be playing in his first major tournament for Croatia in Austria and Switzerland. The free-scoring, 20-year old midfielder has shone for FC Schalke this season, attracting attention from the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan.

Alberto Aquilani (Italy)

As a 16-year old, Aquilani turned down a contract offer from Chelsea, citing his desire to sign professional forms with his boyhood favourites AS Roma. Valencia and Arsenal both had bids, believed to be in excess of 15 million euros, turned down by Roma last summer. The 23-year old central midfielder for the Azzurri could be on the move this summer though, due to his frustration at not being offered a more lucrative contact by Roma.

Vasilis Torosidis (Greece)

The versatile 22-year old can operate both in defence and midfield. Torosidis is a reported summer target for Premier League Newcastle but the Magpies face stiff competition for his signature from Atletico Madrid and Monaco.

Karim Benzema (France)

Ligue 1's player of the year recently signed a contract extension at Lyon, making the 20-year old striker one of the best paid players in France. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been linked with moves for Benzema in the last few months.

Ciprian Marica (Romania)

As well as being a gifted striker, Marica has a wise head on his 22-year old shoulders. This was best demonstrated last summer when the Romanian opted to join then German champions Stuttgart in preference of soon to be Premiership laughing stock Derby County.

Stefan Radu (Romania)

The 21-year old full back moved to Lazio from Dinamo Bucharest on loan in January, going on to start every remaining match of the Serie A season. Having gained widespread praise for his performances in Italy, ‘the new Cristian Chivu’ is one of the main reasons Romania could be a surprise package at Euro 2008. Sunderland have been linked with a move for Radu, but Lazio will be doing everything their powers to keep him at the Stadio Olimpico.

Martin Fenin (Czech Republic)

Fenin turned down the chance of joining Juventus last summer, in favour of a move to Eintracht Frankfurt. He promptly scored a hat-trick on his debut for the German club. Arsenal and Liverpool are said to be long term admirers of the 21-year old forward.

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