At a time when the major European nations are all looking to take the first step towards qualification for the 2022 World Cup, they will also be attempting to formulate plans for the delayed Euro 2020 which will take place in the summer. Now a year older than they previously anticipated, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic could use the tournament as their swansongs on the international stage, but managers will also want to hand opportunities to some of their most talented prospects. Just like punters can make use of an Odds converter, which nations can afford to fast-track a teenager into their plans for the upcoming major tournament?
Sitting at the top of the FIFA World Rankings, it is easy to assume that Belgium are well stocked for world-class talent in the final third. However, aside from Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku, it is slim pickings for Roberto Martinez. With Hazard having struggled since his switch to Real Madrid, Martinez is under pressure to identify a potential long-term successor, a scenario which points him in the direction of Jeremy Doku. The 18-year-old has failed to sparkle in an inconsistent Rennes side this season, but he can only have benefitted from the 30 appearances made in Ligue 1 and the Champions League. With five international caps already to his name, Doku could be given the freedom to shine for the Red Devils in June.
Given the depth of talent in the Spain squad, it will be far more difficult for Pedri to gain regular game time for La Roja while he is still eight months short of his 19th birthday. Nevertheless, Luis Enrique has recognised that the teenager is a star in the making with 37 appearances having already been made for Barcelona this season. Although the youngster has directly benefitted from the precarious financial situation at Camp Nou, his performances have suggested that his rapid development will aid Barcelona and Spain in the long run. Providing that he is given a chance to impress against Greece, Georgia and Kosovo, do not be surprised to see him make an impact later this year.
Ajax and the Netherlands have made a tradition out of dismissing age when it comes to progressing a player's development, and they each stand to benefit from how Ryan Gravenberch has already become one of the best teenagers in the world. The 18-year-old has made 35 starts for the Dutch giants this season, featuring in the first XI in all but one of Ajax's 10 Champions League and Europa League fixtures. The midfielder has flourished since being given extra responsibility by Erik ten Hag, and Frank de Boer is ready to take a look at the player. Oranje are not short of options in the centre of the pitch, but De Boer will have no issue with using Gravenberch at the right moment. Whether that moment come this month or during the Euro 2020 group stages, it is only a matter of time before Gravenberch takes on an important role with the senior squad.
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