Which Youngsters Have Put Themselves in the Shop Window at the U21 European Championship?

The UEFA U21 European Championship has long been a breeding ground for top young talent. Over the years, the likes of Isco, David De Gea, and Cole Palmer have all secured big-money moves following a breakout campaign in the tournament. And 2025 appears to be no different. The biggest competition in European youth football is currently ongoing, with Slovakia and Croatia playing host to the 16 best national teams on the continental stage. England headed into the showdown as the reigning champions after their thrilling 1-0 victory against Spain two years ago, and online betting sites make the Young Lions a contender to emerge with the title once again. The latest odds from the popular Bovada betting site currently price Lee Carsley's men as a 4/1 joint second favorite, level with Germany and narrowly behind 7/2 frontrunners Spain. But rather than the teams gunning for the crown, which players have shone in the Balkans this year? Here are the three players we think have caught the eye more than most so far at the U21 European Championship.

Nick Woltemade

Germany striker Nick Woltemade headed to the tournament this summer on the back of a breakout campaign with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga. Following the Departure of Serhou Guirassy to Borussia Dortmund last summer, the young hitman knew he would be in line for more opportunities in the 2024/25 campaign, and boy, would he take them. The 23-year-old netted 17 goals in all competitions last season, more than the highly-rated Deniz Undav and at a far better strike rate than the experienced Ermedin Demirovic. After his blockbuster season domestically, Woltemade was handed his debut with the senior Germany team, playing twice in the UEFA Nations League. Now, however, he has dropped down to become the Young Mannschaft's talisman at the U21 European Championships, and he has delivered once again. A hat trick in the opening day victory against Slovenia, coupled with a goal and two assists in his second game against the Czech Republic, has put several of Europe's biggest clubs on notice. Chelsea are rumored to be interested in securing his services, despite the fact that they have just added striker Liam Delap to their rank, and he could well be a part of their 2025/26 Premier League push. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also thought to be interested, and it would be a huge surprise if Woltemade remained at the MHPArena next term.

Geovany Quenda

Another youngster who has lit up Slovakia and Croatia this summer is teenager Geovany Quenda. While the aforementioned Woltemade is aged 23, this Portuguese winger is still just 18 years of age, but that hasn't stopped him from shining very brightly. The young prodigy has missed just one game for Sporting CP this season, amassing a whopping 53 appearances in all competitions. Despite that, he had featured just three times for Portugal's U21 side before this summer, usually campaigning for the Under-19s instead. However, he has since made the step up to the higher age class, and just as he has done for the Portuguese champions domestically, he has thrived. After helping his side to a goalless draw against heavyweights France in the opening game, Quenda has gone on to become the driving presence in Portugal's championship bid. Two goals and an assist against Poland, coupled with another goal and assist against Georgia, have put the Selecao safely into the knockout round. Now, they will be hoping to go all the way for the first time, and their sensational winger will be paramount to any success the team will have.

Tomas Suslov

Serie A supporters may already be aware of young Slovakian winger Tomas Suslov. The 23-year-old has been a staple in the Hellas Verona lineup since his move from Dutch side Groningen 18 months ago. He made 31 appearances in the Italian top flight last season, but he hardly set the world alight, picking up just one assist and not a single goal all season. The underrated midfielder already has two goals in five games for the senior Slovakia team, but he has dropped down an age class this summer, and he has been the star of the show for the co-hosts. He scored in the heartbreaking 3-2 defeat in his side's opening game, a game in which his side rallied from two goals down to level things up at two apiece before conceding at the death. He then scored in the win against Romania in his side's final group game, but unfortunately, those three points weren't enough to secure progression. His club team, Hellas Verona, had a decent campaign last season, comfortably avoiding relegation and surpassing expectations. Now, they will be hoping that Suslov brings the form he has shown this summer back to Italy with him in a bid to push towards mid-table and avoid a relegation battle.