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5 breakout performers who shone in Euro 2024 group stage.

Major international competitions are typically the finest places for wonderkids to play their best football.

 Many young players have emerged from the shadows at the World Cup and European Championship in recent years, firmly establishing themselves as household names and frequently putting themselves front and center in the shop window.

Euro 2024 is likely to fulfill that function for a number of the continent's most talented young players, many of whom are making their international debuts.

While some of players who have shone best are already established pros at major teams, they have undoubtedly improved their profile in Germany.

Riccardo Calafiori (Italy)


Riccardo Calafiori is well-known among those who follow Serie A. The centre-back has paired Alessandro Bastoni during Italy's three group stage games, helping Bologna defy expectations and qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the league was reformatted.

Despite advancing to the round of 16, the Azzurri have been far from flawless, but Calafiori has starred at the heart of the defensive. Aside from an extraordinarily unfortunate own goal against Spain, the 22-year-old hasn't made a single mistake.

Calafiori, who can also play left-back, has proven to be a rock solid defender while also demonstrating his ability to drive into midfield with the ball at his feet. His rampaging run and brilliant pass set up Italy's 98th-minute equalizer against Croatia in their last group game.

Calafiori has been connected with Liverpool and, most notably, Juventus, which has boosted his chances of a lucrative move to one of Europe's premier clubs.

Nico Williams (Spain)


Calafiori's Italy were no match for Spain in Group B, with La Roja going undefeated in their first three games. They may have yet to concede in this summer's tournament, but it is their enticing forward line that is drawing the most attention.

Nico Williams, an Athletic Club winger, has particularly stood out. He was considered to be a transfer target for Europe's top clubs ahead to Euro 2024, and his electrifying performances will further fuel their interest in the 21-year-old.

Williams has yet to score a goal at the championships, but those who saw Spain's first two games will have seen his great menace. The fleet-footed forward terrorised Croatia and Italy's defences, particularly Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who was traumatized by Williams' skill.

Motivated by the desire to beat a man and then beat him again. Few full-backs will be able to handle the rising superstar. Barcelona, are you watching?

Nicolas Seiwald (Austria)


Arguably, Austria has been the most entertaining team to watch at Euro 2024. With no obvious world-beaters in their ranks, they have depended on teamwork, graft, and Ralf Rangnick's tactical intelligence to advance to the round of 16, which they accomplished by finishing first ahead of France and the Netherlands.

Their midfield has been critical to their success, and Nicolas Seiwald has been instrumental in that regard. The 23-year-old may not be as well-known as Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer in the heart of the park, but he has contributed significantly to Austria's intensity.

The hardworking midfielder has been tenacious out of possession for Rangnick's side and tireless in retrieving the ball, but he has also been a key creator in a box-to-box role for Euro 2024's dark horses.

Marc Guehi (England) 


England has underwhelmed at Euro 2024, scoring only two goals in games against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. Despite only winning their first match of the tournament, they finished first in their group, thanks in large part to their strong defense.

Marc Guehi, an untested Crystal Palace defender who replaced the absent Harry Maguire in the starting lineup, was in charge of organizing England's defence. Despite joining the Three Lions for his first international tournament, he has been the brightest spot on an otherwise bleak England team.

Guehi has already kept two clean sheets and has been a colossus in the back alongside John Stones. Most impressively, the 23-year-old has maintained incredible composure both on and off the ball, and his game reading and ability to step into tackles have proven quite valuable.

No Maguire, no problem.

Arda Guler (Turkey)


Arda Guler, dubbed the 'Turkish Messi', is no stranger to the spotlight. After getting into the Fenerbahce first squad as a teenager, the offensive midfielder quickly secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid last summer.

An injury-plagued debut campaign in Madrid made adjusting to the transfer difficult, but a clean bill of health at the end of the season allowed Guler to string together a run of games. His form was superb, and he went into the Euros full of confidence with Turkey.

Guler, who was already regarded as the nation's game-changer in the last third, demonstrated this in Turkey's crucial opening-match victory over Georgia. With the game deadlocked, the midfielder unleashed an absolutely magnificent effort beyond Giorgi Mamardashvili, inspiring Turkey to a 3-1 victory. The 19-year-old is a very exceptional talent. 
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