Now that the dust has settled on both the Uefa Under 21 Championship & Under 20 World Cup. It is the turn of the Under 19s to show the scouts what they have to offer. Here’s just some of the players that could shine in Lithuania.
Jose Rodriguez
Captain of the Spain under 19s, this Real Madrid youngster is one of the few who are valued by the Real youth system. After breaking into the Real Madrid first team in October 2012 with a debut at CD Alcoyano, he made his debut in the Champions League against Ajax in a 4-1 win last season. An impressive tournament controlling the midfield could see him go up in the Real ranks.
Yassine Benzia
With four goals in the qualifying phase Yassine Benzia finished as France’s as top scorer in qualifying. Tournament football isn’t new for Benzia, in the Under 17 World Cup he was hot property as he scored five, the most important being a 74th minute strike against Ivory Coast in a high intensity round of 16 game in which France narrowly won 3-2. After making 17 appearances for Lyon in Ligue 1 last season, a successful championship could persuade that he is worth a real starting berth.
Marcos Lopes
After making a brief cameo appearance in a Fa Cup tie against Watford in which he scored. Brazilian born Marcos Lopes can give a glimpse why Manchester City academy chief Mark Allen is expecting big things from him. After scoring 3 in the qualifying phase, Lopes could provide the answer to stopping Spain & Netherlands in the group stage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHuGcjy3ffU
Alexsandar Mitrovic
Alexsandar Mitrovic may be one of the few players in the tournament to make a debut for the senior national team after he made his debut against Belgium in a recent World Cup qualifier. After scoring ten goals for Serbian league winners Partizan last season, Mitrovic could be a tip for the golden boot, especially with Serbia playing in the weaker of the two groups.
Simonas Stankevicius
On the books at Leicester City, Stankevicius could be Lithuania’s only hope for success. Currently thriving in the Leicester youth team. His fantastic goal against Crewe is worth a view on YouTube.