Premier League stars to watch at 2025 U21 European Championship | OneFootball

The UEFA Under-21 European Championship might be the most overlooked gem in international football.

It’s a stage where the future icons of the game take their first steps into the spotlight, becoming heroes for their nations and catching the attention of fans around the globe.

These young talents, many of whom have already made waves at senior level, are now ready to show the world what’s next.

Sixteen nations will fight for continental supremacy, including heavyweights like France, Portugal, and Germany, alongside defending champions England and joint-record holders Italy and Spain.

With the group stage of the 2025 edition kicking off on June 11, here are the up-and-coming Premier League youngsters to keep close tabs on in the upcoming tournament.

Ethan Nwaneri

Another magician off of Arsenal’s production line, Ethan Nwaneri, is a star in the making.

Though he’s still waiting for his breakthrough moment at senior level to announce himself to the world, the 18-year-old looks destined to be a household name around Europe for the next decade.

Mikel Arteta made the skilled teenager the youngest-ever player to feature in a Premier League match in 2022, but we’re yet to see Nwaneri’s potential on full display.

Tipped to surpass Barcelona whizz-kid Lamine Yamal (via Daily Mirror), Nwaneri carries the weight of high expectations on his young shoulders as England trust him to help them defend the title.

Wilson Odobert

Despite Tottenham Hotspur supporters enduring the worst season in recent memory, Ange Postecoglou’s underperforming squad brims with potential.

A devastating hamstring injury curtailed Wilson Odobert’s start to life in North London after his blistering pace and tricky feet dazzled the Premier League during his breakout season at Burnley.

Odobert is a street footballer, always willing to take on a defender or two on his own, and he is undoubtedly one of the most skilled next-generation wingers.

Perhaps this could be his moment to show the world what he is made of.

Jaden Philogene

Jaden Philogene’s name filled every headline after his sensational ‘Rabona’ goal for Hull City nominated him for the flattering FIFA Puskas Award.

A return to Aston Villa last summer didn’t go to plan, as he left Birmingham for Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town in January for a reported fee of £20 million.

Fast forward a few months, Philogene is still yet to showcase his talent on the grand stage, but flashes of brilliance, like his brace against Manchester United, fuel the belief that he’s destined for stardom.

Brajan Gruda

German talents plying their trade in the Premier League are rare species, yet Brajan Gruda has broken that mold at Brighton & Hove Albion this season.

Breaking into a Premier League squad at such a young age is always a stern proposition, but Gruda is a baller and a joyful player to watch with his fancy footwork and playmaking skills.

On top of that, the 20-year-old boasts a rocket of a left foot, a lethal weapon that adds flair and unpredictability to the Seagulls’ attacking arsenal.

The summer tournament could be Gruda’s launchpad to prominence.

Liam Delap

If you even semi-followed the Premier League this season, you’ll have heard of Ipswich teen sensation Liam Delap.

The subject of a high-profile transfer auction (via The Athletic), Delap has taken England’s top flight by storm in his maiden Premier League campaign.

Despite Ipswich’s dismal top-tier return, the Manchester City academy graduate has been nothing short of phenomenal, earning broad plaudits for his exceptional talent.

He has racked up 12 goals and two assists for a relegation-bound side in the world’s most challenging championship, becoming one of the most in-demand young stars in English football.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United have already expressed their interest in the 22-year-old, whose price could skyrocket this summer.