Source: Xinhua
06-06-2008 21:48
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsGENEVA, June 6 (Xinhua) -- One day before the kick-off of the Euro 2008 soccer championship, some of the rising stars of the 16 top European teams are ready to take the stage.
Wayne Rooney, Petr Cech and Cristiano Ronaldo established their reputations four years ago at Euro 2004. Four years later at Euro 2008 to be played at Austria and Switzerland, experts pit following young players as possible contenders to follow their step.
The 22-year-old Igor Akinfeev of Russia travelled with Russia as an 18-year-old to UEFA EURO 2004. He was then his Russia's third-choice goalkeeper but now, despite being restricted to only six qualifying appearances through injury, is firmly established again as Guus Hiddink's No 1 between the posts. A UEFA Cup winner in 2005, Akinfeev is among the most exciting young goalkeepers in the European game.
Alberto Aquilani of Italy, 23, "could become one of the best players in the world" according to Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon. The AS Roma midfielder was a surprise inclusion for Italy's friendly against Belgium and showed the reason of his inclusion by setting up Antonio Di Natale in Italy's 3-1 win. The complete midfielder, Aquilani faces tough competition in the most experienced squad at Euro 2008 but could prove a wild card off the bench, especially when Italy need goals.
France's Karim Benzema is only 20 years old. Benzema needs no introduction after his 20 goals helped Olympique Lyon win the French title and established him as the youngest player to finish top scorer in France's first division. It might be only the beginning for Benzema who has already scored three times in nine appearances for France.
Martin Fenin, 21, is the youngest player in the Czech Republic squad but is expected to fill in the place of Milan Baros who is suffering from poor form. Fenin shone in the team that finished runners-up at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and has continued to impress since leaving FK Teplice for Eintracht Frankfurt in January.
Mario Gomez, 22, is the most exciting individual to have broken into the Germany team since the last FIFA World Cup. Mario Gomez has scored 33 league goals in the past two seasons for VfB Stuttgart. The tall, two-footed young player has a keen eye for goal and is wanted by a host of top European clubs.
There are also other young players mentioned by experts to possibly attract the spotlight and attention at Euro 2008. They are21-year-old Erwin Hoffer of Austria; 22-year-old Luka Modric of Croatia; 21-year-old Joao Moutinho of Portugal and David Silva of Spain, who is only 22 years old.
Editor:Zhang Ning
