After a disappointing 2023/24 season without any trophies, the Barcelona players set to compete in Euro 2024 are eager to make a strong comeback.
Almost half of Barcelona’s squad will have the chance to shine at this major tournament and today, we take a closer look at five key players to watch during Euro 2024.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is the latest star to emerge from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. He made his first appearance for Barcelona at just 15 years old and debuted for Spain at 16.
Remarkably, he will still be 16 when Euro 2024 begins, only turning 17 the day before the final.
Despite his young age, Yamal has been a standout performer for Barcelona this season. Playing primarily on the right wing, he has scored goals and provided 10 assists in 49 matches across all competitions.
What sets him apart is his work ethic; he is unusually diligent off the ball for a winger.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, has praised Yamal’s readiness and exceptional talent, suggesting that if he plays in the European Championship, it will be because he has earned it through his skill and hard work.
Fermin Lopez
Fermin Lopez is determined to make an impact with Spain at Euro 2024. The Barcelona midfielder has already impressed in the first training session before the friendly against Andorra, showcasing his powerful playing style.
His inclusion in Luis de la Fuente’s squad is well-deserved after a strong season with Barcelona, where he scored 11 goals and provided one assist in 43 games.
Fermin’s confidence and form make him a key player for Spain and as a 20-year-old, he has shown maturity and skill, and fans will be eager to see if he can carry this momentum into the European Championship.
Jules Kounde
Jules Kounde is naturally a centre-back but has shown his versatility by excelling at right-back for Barcelona. This adaptability has been valuable for France as well, where he often plays on the right side, contributing to both defence and attack.
If France’s coach Didier Deschamps continues to use Kounde as a right-back, this experience will be beneficial for both the player and Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick.
With Joao Cancelo potentially leaving in the summer, Kounde’s ability to fill the right-back position could solve a significant problem for Barcelona.
Frenkie de Jong
Frenkie de Jong has had a challenging season, plagued by injuries and facing criticism from former Dutch internationals like Ruud Gullit and Wesley Sneijder. Despite these setbacks, De Jong remains a crucial player for the Netherlands.
The Dutch team relies heavily on De Jong to control the game’s tempo from the midfield. In a tough group with France, Poland, and Austria, the Netherlands will need De Jong at his best to advance to the Round of 16.
His performance will be critical, as the team’s success often hinges on his ability to dominate the midfield.
Andreas Christensen
With stars like Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen, Yussuf Poulsen, and Kasper Schmeichel in the Danish team, Andreas Christensen might not always be the first name that comes to mind.
However, he plays a vital role in providing defensive stability for Denmark.
Christensen had a solid season with Barcelona and will bring that form to Euro 2024. His international coach knows that Christensen can also be deployed as a defensive midfielder, adding versatility to his skill set.
In that regard, Flick will be closely watching Christensen’s performances, especially if he is used in different defensive roles.
Conclusion
Euro 2024 offers a chance for these Barcelona players to shine on the international stage after a challenging club season.
Lamine Yamal, Jules Kounde, Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong, and Andreas Christensen all have the potential to make significant contributions to their national teams.
Their performances will not only be crucial for their countries but also provide valuable insights and experience that they can bring back to Barcelona.
Fans should keep a close eye on these players as they seek redemption and glory in the European Championship.
