Euro U21 Team of the Tournament

This has been one of the most exciting editions of the Under 21 European Championship and a lot of players have shown great deal of potential. This is my choice for the Team of the Tournament and be free to give your thoughts and comments on how this team should look like.

Keeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Schalke keeper has been in tremendous form throughout the tournament and no wonder that Joachim Low already sees him as the part of the senior national team. Clubs like Chelsea and Bayern has shown interest in the player and I can definitely see him as future Germany number 1.

Right-back: Marco Motta (Italy)

Italy Under 21 captain arrived to this tournament with a wealth of Serie A experience and he has proven his potential in Sweden. Reliable at the back, while dangerous when going forward, Motta is an example of modern full-back and he is very close to making the step to the senior national team

Centre-back: Micah Richards (England)

Micah Richards became a regular in the senior national team at 18 but he failed to make the progress everyone expected of him. This competition was the perfect opportunity to show that he did not forget to play football, and his performances were really impressive. He scored a crucial goal against Finland, which allowed his team to win the game with ten men on the pitch.

Centre-back: Salvatore Bocchetti (Italy)

Salvatore Bocchetti had a great tournament and no wonder that a lot of people see him as the next Fabio Cannavaro since he is not very tall but compensates with great timing and amazing leap for the headers. Bocchetti has already been called to the senior squad by Marcelo Lippi and will definitely keep his place in the squad after the impressive performances at the Under 21 Euro.

Left-back: Domenico Criscito (Italy)

Domenico Criscito continued with excellent performances after impressing at Genoa last season and his versatility is a great asset for the national team. He was played at left-back in Sweden, but he can also play in the centre of defence or in midfield. Criscito is very confident at the back, while also good at going forward and he is also seen as one of the future stars of Italy national team.

Holding midfielder: Fabrice Muamba (England)

A relatively unknown player who came through the youth ranks at Arsenal is definitely in contention to be named Player of the Tournament. Muamba was the key to England’s defensive organization and he was impressive in every single game. I am sure that Bolton midfielder was not in Fabio Capello’s plans but that is likely to change after this tournament.

Central midfielder: Gojko Kacar (Serbia)

Gojko Kacar tried everything to help his team qualify for the semi-finals but his teammates did nothing to help him. He won countless duels with opponents, tracked back even when he was played as striker and he was the only bright spot in Serbia Under 21 team. He was also a big danger for the opponent and if that scissors-kick against Italy had gone in, that would have been the best goal of the tournament.

Central midfielder: Rasmus Elm (Sweden)

Rasmus Elm is already a member of the senior national side and he was one of the most influential Swedish players at this Euro. He supplied a lot of useful passes to forwards Berg and Toivonen and Elm is one of the reasons behind Sweden’s success.

Right winger: James Milner (England)

James Milner played really well throughout the tournament and he caused big problems on the right flank. One would think he was tired after the long season but was very consistent and hinted that he could be ready for the step to the senior side.

Striker: Marcus Berg (Sweden)

Marcus Berg will probably be named Player of the Tournament even though Sweden failed to qualify for the final, since he was simply outstanding at Under 21 Euro, scoring 7 goals in 5 games. The ruthless striker was definitely Sweden’s best player and he is expected to make a move to one of the big European clubs this summer.

Left midfielder: Sebastian Giovinco (Italy)

Sebastian Giovinco is definitely one of the Azzurini stars and he showed tremendous potential at this tournament. He was a big threat for the opposition defenders on either wing and created numerous opportunities for his teammates. Giovinco proved he deserved more playing time at Juventus and this is something Ciro Ferrara needs to address.

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