Missing that buzz from Euro 2020? Don’t worry – Olympics football is only around the corner!
We’ve made an XI of players to watch at the tournament, who are established, exciting and unknown in equal measure.
(Maximum two players per country).
GK: Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
There weren’t many goalkeepers who caught our eye but you know who did? Guillermo Ochoa who is still immortalised after the 2014 World Cup.
RB: Dani Alves (Brazil)
You read that correctly. Dani Alves – who recently turned 38 – has been selected for Brazil and we’re expecting some magic from right back.
CB: Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan)
Heavily linked with Tottenham during the summer transfer window, Tomiyasu is an exciting, all-action defender that simply loves defending.
CB: Nehuen Pérez (Argentina)
He hasn’t yet played for Atlético Madrid, but Pérez looks like the perfect Cholo player with committed defending, bravery and strong distribution.
LB: Melvin Bard (France)
After being surprisingly sold by Lyon (to Nice), Bard will be hoping to make an impression for France – a really well-rounded, energetic defender.
DM: Arne Maier (Germany)
Maier has struggled with injuries but you cannot doubt his quality. Can sit as the deepest midfielder and dictate play, but also snap into challenges.
CM: Bruno Guimarães (Brazil)
We’re calling it now: Bruno Guimarães will be a €50m player in the next year or two. Keep your eyes out for this brilliantly well-rounded midfielder.
CM: Pedri (Spain)
If you don’t know about Pedri by now – then where have you been! The teenager bossed Euro 2020 for Spain and is now ready to shine in Tokyo.
RW: Diego Lainez (Mexico)
The only member of the Mexican squad to play his football out of the country. Lainez is technically gifted, energetic and can create magic from nothing.
LW: Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
We know he doesn’t *technically* play on the left, but after some bright performances for Manchester United, we’re excited to watch Amad.
ST: Rafa Mir (Spain)
Most of you won’t know this name, but Rafa Mir – who actually plays for Wolves – is a typical target man coming off a great season for Huesca.
