Six players to watch at the under-21 European Championship | OneFootball

The u-21 European Championship kicks off this evening as Europe’s best young players compete for tournament success.

There’s plenty of talent on show in Slovakia this summer and we’ve picked out some of the best to watch closely.

Nick Woltemade (Germany)

The Germany forward has found his name at the centre of summer speculation after a breakout campaign with Stuttgart. Woltemade joined Stuttgart from Werder Bremen last summer and made a huge impact in his debut campaign.

The 6ft 6in forward scored 17 goals in 33 games and was the tournament’s top-scorer as Stuttgart won the DFB-Pokal. Far from your usual towering target man, Woltemade boasts deceptive footwork and a desire to take on defenders.

Mathias Kvistgaarden (Denmark)

Mathias Kvistgaarden is another player understood to be on the summer shortlists of several sides. The 23-year-old enjoyed a prolific campaign with Brondby, netting 23 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.

He’s scored seven times in 17 caps for Denmark at u-21 level and could form part of an exciting frontline alongside Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder and Newcastle’s William Osula.

Celtic are understood to be long-standing suitors.

Yeremay Hernández (Spain)

Deportivo La Coruna face a fight to hold onto Yeremay Hernandez this summer and a successful tournament could lead to increased interest. Como have seen a move for the winger break down in recent days, with the Serie A side targeting the winger who shone in Spain’s Segunda Division in 2024/25.

The 22-year-old scored 14 league goals for Depor, to help the newly-promoted outfit consolidate in the second tier.

Geovany Quenda (Portugal)

Chelsea’s desire to sign every exciting teenage talent possible landed at Geovany Quenda in March, with the West Londoners agreeing a deal to sign the Sporting speedster for a fee of around £44m.

The 18-year-old was an electric wide presence during Sporting’s title success in 2024/25. He scored twice and provided four assists while ranking fourth in Portugal for progressive carries. Quenda will spend next season on loan at Sporting before joining up with Chelsea in 2026.

Ethan Nwaneri (England)

Ethan Nwaneri is the youngest member of England’s squad at the tournament, with the 18-year-old rewarded after an excellent season at Arsenal. Nwaneri scored nine times in just 16 starts for the Gunners, earning a regular role as injuries decimated Mikel Arteta’s forward line. Such was his level, he was linked with a senior England call-up in March.

For now, the 18-year-old’s development will continue with the u-21 side as England look to defend their title.

Jorrel Hato (Netherlands)

Named Eredivisie Talent of the Year for 2024/25, Jorrel Hato’s star is one on the rise. Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in the Dutch defender, who is at ease at centre-back or full-back.

Last season, he scored twice and provided six assists for Ajax in the Eredivisie, with Hato regarded as one of the brightest talents to have emerged from the club’s notorious academy in recent years.

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