The tournament in Germany will provide a platform for some lesser-known stars to make a name for themselves
With Euro 2024 almost upon us, the 24 participating nations' squads are taking shape as some key decisions are made before the tournament kicks off on Friday, June 14. There will be a plethora of established stars on show, as well as a host of youngsters who have staked their claim to a seat on the plane to Germany.
But what of those lesser-known names who have been around the block but are yet to fully fulfil their potential and command the spotlight? Across the two dozen squads, there are plenty of players who will view the European Championship as a chance to make a name for themselves, kickstart their career or, perhaps, earn a transfer.
With that in mind, here are GOAL'spicks for each Euro 2024 team's potential breakout star…
GettyArmando Broja (Albania)
After a disappointing loan spell at Fulham in the second half of the season, Armando Broja is in dire need of something to kickstart his career; starring at Euro 2024 for underdogs Albania would do just that. He is expected to be sold by Chelsea in the summer, and scoring a few goals in Germany could put him in the shop window and earn him a decent move.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesNicolas Seiwald (Austria)
A smooth-passing midfielder who won't shirk a battle, Nicolas Seiwald has become a key figure under Austria boss Ralf Rangnick. The 23-year-old RB Leipzig man has had to be patient at club level after following the well-trodden path from Red Bull Salzburg last summer, but he will be a starter in Germany. "He is an extraordinary player for his age," Rangnick said in 2022.
Getty ImagesJohan Bakayoko (Belgium)
Belgium will usher in a new era in their first major tournament since the likes of Eden Hazard and Toby Alderweireld retired from international football, and Johan Bakayoko figures to be a big part of their future. The 21-year-old will be tussling with Manchester City's Jeremy Doku and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard of Arsenal for a starting place out wide, and he could be lining up against them next season having already been strongly linked with Liverpool. He can seal the deal if he catches the eye at Euro 2024.
(C)Getty ImagesJosip Sutalo (Croatia)
Both products of the famed Dinamo Zagreb academy, Croatia have a centre-back partnership that could serve them for years in Josip Sutalo and Josko Gvardiol. The former had a strong season despite Ajax's struggles, and the 24-year-old could give himself the chance to make his own jump to one of Europe's top five leagues if he is able to make an impression alongside the Man City man in Germany, amid links to Arsenal.
