The UEFA EURO U19 campaign is just starting, and this year’s tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of football’s brightest young talents.

As the sport’s future stars prepare to take the stage, all eyes will be on the emerging prodigies who could soon dominate the global football scene.

In this report, we spotlight five exceptional youngsters through comprehensive player analysis, highlighting those who are set to make a significant impact in the competition.

From Italy’s talented midfielder, Simone Pafundi, to Spain’s sensational talents, Iker Bravo and Yarek Gasiorowski, these players are already making waves in their respective countries. Adding to the excitement, Norway’s Sverre Nypan and France’s Jeanuël Belocian are also poised to dazzle fans with their skills and potential.

Get ready to witness the future of football as our tactical analysis delves into the profiles of these five extraordinary players through detailed player analysis of them and their respective roles in their teams’ tactics in this EURO U19 Campaign.

Defenders

When analysing defenders, we’ve chosen to focus on their physical presence (aerial and ground duel ability), build-up IQ (knowing when to break the lines and when to play patiently), technical ability (passing skills at short and long-range, first touch), and reading of the game (off-the-ball movement, defensive anticipation, zonal marking, and focus).

Note that these aspects can vary depending on the player’s position within the defence, but they provide an overall structure for evaluating a defender.

Jeanuël Belocian

Jeanuël Belocian, a promising 2005-born talent from France, exemplifies versatility with his ability to adeptly play as both a left-back (LB) and a left centre-back (LCB). His composure and focus in one-on-one defensive scenarios make him a formidable opponent in ground duels.

Not just a stone wall at the back, Belocian excels as a progressive ball carrier, seamlessly transitioning play from defense to attack. His physical presence on the field is undeniable, often outmuscling opponents and winning crucial battles.

Additionally, his keen ability to read between the lines, both in and out of possession, underscores his tactical intelligence and adaptability, making him an invaluable asset to his team.

Before going into further details, below is a defensive territory map that can show more of his game.

In the image below, we can see Belocian using his physical presence in his team’s defensive third. His physical dominance at such a young age bodes extremely well for his future career.

Here, he is seen blocking the green space behind him as the winger tries to take him on. This forces the attacker to drift out wide before eventually losing the ball to a Belocian slide tackle.

In the image below, we can see another instance where Belocian uses his physical profile to his advantage.

The images show how comfortable and confident he is in stepping out of his backline to press the opponent’s strikers or wingers, successfully winning the ball back or applying pressure until a teammate can help dispossess the player. This not only demonstrates his physical advantages but also his sense of focus and anticipation.

Stepping out of the backline to press can be risky if not done correctly, as the opponent can beat you and turn towards goal. However, in these scenarios and many others, we see that he effectively dispossesses the opposing team’s attackers on multiple occasions using his physical profile.

However, in terms of aerial threat, he needs some work, as this is his notable weakness.

Despite his 6’1″ frame allowing him to jump high and compete in these duels, a lack of confidence in the air holds him back from winning them.

When analysing Belocian, we can assess his passing abilities from two different roles: left centre-back (LCB) and left-back (LB).

In the two images below, we see instances where he takes on the LB role, moves high up the pitch, and successfully delivers a cross or cut-back pass.

In the first image, under pressure, he successfully plays a pinpoint pass to his teammate outside the box in open space.

The image below shows a similar situation, with Belocian positioned high up the pitch as a left-back.

Under pressure, he delivers a great cross to his striker, marked in black, who is making a run into the box.

These instances tell us that Belocian is not only able to make accurate passes but also adept at occupying wide zones of the pitch as an overlapping left-back.

He positions himself well to receive passes and progress his team into dangerous areas. This demonstrates a combination of confidence to occupy advanced positions and the technical ability to deliver excellent passes to his teammates.

In the image below, we can see how Belocian positions himself to have multiple passing options available. Two of his teammates point to another player for Belocian to pass to, but he thinks otherwise.

Instead, he sees his striker coming to receive a short pass and successfully plays a pass between three players to his striker, who then plays it right back to Belocian. This action disrupts RC Lens and forces them out of position. Belocian is then able to switch the ball across the backline to find openings more quickly.

This movement also drags the opponent’s right centre-back up to press the striker, creating space for the Rennes winger.

Later on in the same match, we see a similar situation unfold. In the image below, Belocian makes a pass that breaks the opponent’s defensive line, directly reaching his striker who is coming short to receive. This demonstrates his growing confidence as he replicates the same type of pass just minutes later. Belocian’s ability to play patiently across the backline, combined with his understanding of how to break the opponent’s defensive line with well-weighted passes, is impressive for such a young player.

Belocian’s reading of the game with the ball at his feet and in defensive 1v1 duels is very intelligent. However, we also need to consider his off-the-ball movement when structured in the backline.

The image below shows an example of his focus and anticipation in defence. As a Brest player takes on his teammate’s fullback and beats him, deciding to cut inside, Belocian, while marking a player to his left, is also aware of the play developing to his right.

As soon as the Brest player beats the fullback and cuts inside, Belocian steps in immediately to win the ground duel.

We can see his anticipation and eagerness once again in the image below. Belocian steps out of his backline right when the RC Lens striker receives the ball.

He uses his physical presence to hold off the striker until a teammate can come and take the ball from him.

Overall, Belocian is a well-rounded left centre-back who can also take up a left-back role when required. He possesses excellent positional awareness, positional play and focus in both the defensive and attacking halves.

He is technically gifted on the ball, capable of playing a range of passes, and has the IQ and confidence needed to break the opponent’s defensive line with his passing.

Combined with his impressive physical profile, Jeanuël Belocian has a bright future ahead and will be a formidable opponent in the EURO U19 campaign.

Yarek Gasiorowski

Yarek Gasiorowski, a youngster from Spain, is a dynamic player known for his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between the left-back (LB) and left centre-back (LCB) positions. His physical presence on the field is complemented by his aerial threat, making him a key figure during set pieces and defensive headers.

Gasiorowski’s ability to read between the lines, both in and out of possession, highlights his tactical awareness and intelligence. In box defending, he stands out with his robust and precise interventions, ensuring the opposition finds it difficult to penetrate.

Moreover, he is an excellent ball carrier, driving the play forward and initiating attacks from the back with remarkable skill.

Before going into further details, below is a defensive territory map that can show more of his game.

In the first image below, we see him blocking off the attacker’s run with his body and clearing the ball from his penalty box.

In the second image, we can see Gasiorowski using his body to cut off the attacker’s run and position himself between the opponent and the ball, allowing him to recover and play the ball to his teammate.

Yarek Gasiorowski is very confident and calm in aerial duels. Standing at 6’3″, his height is a significant advantage that complements his aggressive playstyle.

In the first scenario, we see him calmly win the ball back for his team with a header in the middle third of the pitch.

What is impressive is that he maintains the same calmness and confidence during defensive duels in the final third. The second image shows a similar scenario but closer to his penalty box. The opponent would have been through on goal if he had missed or lost this aerial duel.

However, Gasiorowski cleanly wins the ball as a clearance once again.

When analysing the passing traits of Yarek Gasiorowski, there are some interesting aspects of his game to consider.

Starting with the positives, Gasiorowski shows intelligence in the build-up phase of the match.

He can play patiently, passing sideways and back to the keeper, but he also possesses the technical ability to play progressive passes.

The images below show two examples of his passing, breaking the opponent’s defensive structure.

In one instance, he delivers a long ball to his winger; in another, he plays a ground pass to his teammate, who is coming short of receiving.

Gasiorowski is capable of playing different types of passes in the build-up phase. However, an issue arises with his confidence and body positioning in these zones of the field. In the image below, we can see when Gasiorowski receives the ball, his body is closed off to his right, limiting him to only playing to his left back. Ideally, his chest should be facing the opponent’s net, allowing him to play into the midfielder, to his right, or easily turn back to his keeper. This body positioning leads to fewer passing options and can result in his feet getting tangled due to pressure and a lack of confidence.

This isn’t something that is detrimental to his game, given that he is only 19 years old, but it is an area he will undoubtedly need to work on moving forward to excel in his career. He could be caught out in a position like this during the Euro campaign.

In terms of reading the game defensively, Yarek Gasiorowski is very intelligent with his positioning and anticipation.

He is confident in using his physical profile to leave the backline and play man-to-man, pressing the opponent effectively. His anticipation and acceleration in leaving his position to press are very good.

In the two images below, we can see examples of this. However, it is important to note that this is often where Gasiorowski makes defensive mistakes. With his eager and aggressive playstyle, he sometimes commits unnecessary fouls, which can help the opponent move their players forward.

If he learns to play cleaner and apply just the necessary pressure without fouling, he will excel very quickly.

Overall, Yarek Gasiorowski is an extremely athletic and physical player who can play both as a left centre-back (LCB) and left-back (LB), though he more often features as an LCB, given his 6’3″ build.

He has the technical ability to play various types of passes and the aggressiveness and anticipation to shut down opponents’ attacks. While he is very good at reading the game both in and out of possession, he will need to work on his confidence in the build-up phase and his body positioning when on the ball.

Gasiorowski will be a crucial player for Spain in their Euro campaign.

Midfielders

When analysing midfielders, we want to look at their technical ability (passing ability at short and long-range, first touch), positional IQ (understanding of the first, second, and third phases of build-up or off-the-ball movement), work rate and intensity (distance covered, recoveries, interceptions), and creative capacity (vision in all zones of the field and decisive decision-making on the final pass).

Note that these aspects can vary depending on the player’s specific position within the midfield, but they provide an overall structure for evaluating a midfielder.

Simone Pafundi

Simone Pafundi, a talented player from Italy, is renowned for his exceptional reading of half-spaces, allowing him to find and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defence. His ability to dribble effectively in tight spaces makes him a constant threat, weaving through defenders with ease.

Pafundi masterfully employs “La Pausa,” delaying passes to create better opportunities and disrupt defensive structures. His understanding of timing, particularly in switching play, adds a strategic dimension to his game, often catching opponents off guard.

In one-on-one situations, his low centre of gravity gives him an edge, enabling him to take on defenders centrally and maintain control under pressure.

Simone Pafundi is extremely technically gifted and intelligent, allowing him to play in the defensive third as a deep-lying playmaker.

In the middle third, he excels as a central midfielder, connecting both sides of the team. In the final third, he serves as a creative outlet.

Focusing first on the defensive third of the pitch, Pafundi remains extremely calm under the opponent’s press. This composure is due to his constant scanning of the field, which allows him to know the positions of both opponents and teammates, enabling him to execute quick flicks or simple passes effectively.

Additionally, his low centre of gravity, standing at 5’5″, allows him to maintain control of the ball for a few extra seconds and evade the press, even when under pressure (similar to Messi, Verratti, and Bernardo Silva).

The two images below perfectly illustrate him linking up with the backline to help his team progress during the build-up.

Now, examining his decision-making in the final third of the pitch, we can see Pafundi’s true abilities. The term “La Pausa” refers to delaying passes to create better opportunities; it involves absorbing pressure and drawing a player out of position to wait for the perfect moment to release the ball or take another action.

Pafundi excels at this skill despite his young age.

In the first image, Pafundi showcases “La Pausa.” He takes a few extra yards while dribbling forward, allowing his winger to run in behind. When the opponent’s centre-back steps up, Pafundi releases the ball perfectly so his winger can receive it behind the defence.

This ability to time pass and create opportunities defines top number 10s or creative players in football, reminiscent of an Italian Mesut Ozil or Kevin De Bruyne in attack and a Bernardo Silva or Marco Verratti in build-up play.

The second image depicts a similar scenario. Positioned between two players, Pafundi waits for the perfect moment to pass to his teammate running in behind.

These images highlight his calmness and ability to deliver precise passes in the attacking third, demonstrating his composure and intelligence on the field.

Looking further at his technical ability, dribbling is one of Pafundi’s key and best traits.

His low centre of gravity allows him to change direction with the ball very quickly, and his rapid acceleration is truly impressive.

We are looking at winger actions because they show dribbles, high/low intensity, and chances all in one.

In the first image, we see two players marked in red behind him, whom he dribbled between. Notice the player directly in front of him, marked in red, facing a different direction than where Pafundi is dribbling.

This is due to the quick change in direction and body manipulation used by Pafundi to evade his opponent and create space, which he uses to his advantage. Despite being surrounded by almost four players, he remains calm while dribbling and drives forward without panicking.

In the second image, we observe his use of the low centre of gravity and change of direction in a build-up phase of play rather than the attacking zone of the pitch. He receives the ball with his back to the opponent’s goal, takes a touch, fakes going in one direction, and quickly switches the ball to his right foot, dribbling out of danger.

Notice the opponent marked in red’s right knee, fully planted and facing the opposite direction of Pafundi. The opponent couldn’t cope with Pafundi’s rapid pace and acceleration.

Pafundi is a dangerous technical dribbler in all zones of the pitch.

Simone Pafundi is very aggressive and eager in recovering the ball for his team and making interceptions. When evaluating a young midfielder, we want to consider the overall package, which includes defensive work and duties.

Pafundi is a midfielder who likes to press and is constantly running. However, his height makes it difficult for him to win the ball back on many occasions.

A midfielder who covers distance tracks back and puts in defensive effort, Pafundi fits this description well.

The issue arises with his attitude and temper. In the first image below, we see Pafundi trying very hard to win the ball back for his team during the dying minutes of the match, but once frustrated, he pushes the player from behind.

In the second image, we see another moment where Pafundi eagerly wins the ball back for his team, this time successfully with a standing tackle in the attacking third of the pitch.

Pafundi is relentless, trying to win the ball in both the attacking and defensive thirds. He is a tireless player who will chase the ball until it’s won or the play stops.

If he can control his temper, which is a significant aspect of the game, his work ethic will gain more respect in the football scene.

Sverre Nypan

Sverre Nypan, a distinguished player from Norway, stands out as an advanced playmaker with an impressive free-roaming ability. This ability allows him to influence the game from various positions on the field. His excellent vision and awareness in half spaces enable him to identify and exploit openings in the opposition’s defence.

Nypan’s technical ability is evident in his execution of incisive passes that break through defensive lines. His tight-space dribbling and composure under pressure make him a reliable asset in maintaining possession and progressing the play.

His use of body manipulation to create space further enhances his technical ability. He consistently outmaneuvers defenders and generates scoring opportunities for his team. Understanding both the defensive build-up phase and the attacking third, Nypan constantly scans for the best possible options when he receives the ball, making him an outstanding creative outlet or central midfielder.

In a pre-season match against Manchester United, Nypan showcased his skills as a deep-lying playmaker, a significant responsibility against a top side. He demonstrated excellent game reading and patience, effectively handling pressure by playing the ball back to his teammate and moving into space to continue the build-up.

In another instance, Nypan confidently called for the ball, scanned the space behind him, and made a quick, accurate pass despite opponent pressure, highlighting his spatial awareness and readiness to execute precise passes.

Nypan is a very good creative outlet. Similar to Pafundi, he remains calm even when surrounded by multiple opponents and excels in using “La Pausa” in his game.

In the first scenario below, he absorbs the pressure until the perfect moment to release a ball behind the defence, allowing his teammate to be through on goal, which leads to an assist.

Once again, we see a similar scenario on the other side of the pitch. Nypan delivers a perfectly weighted ball into his teammate’s run, leading to another goal. Although this second scenario may seem like a basic pass, many veteran professional players might shy away from making this pass, opting instead to turn around and play back to their midfielders outside the 18-yard box.

Nypan, however, takes his chances and is never afraid of playing risky passes. He would rather attempt passes that can benefit his team, which worked out well here.

Not every pass is going to be perfect, but there are many creative outlets considered world-class and worth millions who tend to play passes that slow down the attack, even if the pass is forward. Nypan is not one of those.

His forward passes continue the play smoothly rather than slowing it down like stop-motion and breaking down a team’s tactics.

Sverre Nypan primarily plays as an attacking midfielder, but all midfielders must have the work ethic to cover distance and fulfil defensive responsibilities for their team. When analysing game footage, it becomes evident that Nypan is everywhere on the pitch. As shown by the heatmap below, he tends to play more on the left side of the pitch but also covers central areas during defensive duties.

Attackers

There are many aspects to focus on when analysing attackers. Some of the most important ones include the variety and types of finishes (where the attacker can strike the ball cleanly), body manipulation (not just physical presence, but how they use their physical ability to receive and turn with the ball), positioning in the box (timing and anticipation), and link-up play (ability to receive and create, play one-twos, and move into different zones to receive the ball most effectively).

Iker Bravo

Iker Bravo, a promising talent from Spain, is distinguished by his clean ball striking ability, ensuring precision and power in his shots. His link-up play and physical presence make him an invaluable asset in building attacks and maintaining possession under pressure.

Bravo’s great instinct and timing in the box allow him to seize scoring opportunities with remarkable efficiency.

Outside the box, his creativity make him a reliable outlet for initiating offensive plays. His technical ability further enhances his overall game, he can create opportunities from himself and advance the ball in all zones of the pitch.

Before exploring further with in match images, below is the shot map for Iker Bravo in the UEFA youth league for 2023/2024.

Iker Bravo possesses some of the cleanest ball-striking abilities in the world, demonstrating exceptional talent in striking the ball cleanly from various scenarios.

He has the flexibility and athleticism to execute precise strikes, unlike many strikers. In the first image, he strikes the ball from the edge of the box with three players in front of him, delivering it into the corner of the net without a run-up.

In the second image, he meets a cross with a volley, again sending it into the corner.

These examples highlight his outstanding ball-striking ability, a rare trait among attackers.

Iker Bravo’s ability to manipulate his body to create space for himself is extraordinary. Despite his height of six feet, he is remarkably agile.

The two images below show examples of Bravo receiving the ball and turning to create space. A striker capable of creating his own opportunities and chances is rare and crucial for excelling to the highest level.

In both images, we see the end product of his skill, where he evades the opponent and positions himself facing the goal.

Iker Bravo’s chance-creating and link-up play are exemplary. As evident in the image below, he is extremely confident in dribbling in tight spaces, even when surrounded by opponents. His ability to manoeuvre outside the box helps create opportunities going forward.

His off-the-ball movement to create space for his teammates is crucial, drawing multiple defenders towards him and opening passing lanes for potential goal-scoring opportunities.

We can see more of his link-up play just by looking at his heat map, notice the high intensity in other zones of the pitch other than just the central areas near the box, primarily near the left, which matches similarly to the image above.

Another crucial aspect of Iker Bravo’s game is his instinct and anticipation inside the box, especially in the air. Bravo seems to always be on the end of every cross, making him a real aerial threat. In the first image below, he gets on the end of a cross and narrowly misses, putting the ball just wide.

In the second image, he rises above three Barcelona players and heads the ball into the back of the net from the penalty spot. Instinct inside the box is vital for a striker, and every elite striker possesses this skill at the highest level.

Conclusion

As the EURO U19 Campaign progresses, the brilliance of these young talents will undoubtedly shine.

Through this detailed player analysis, we see that Simone Pafundi, Iker Bravo, Yarek Gasiorowski, Sverre Nypan, and Jeanuël Belocian are not just emerging stars but the future of football.

Their performances in this tournament, as highlighted in our scout report, will leave a lasting impact and herald the arrival of a new generation in the sport.

Keep an eye on these players as they shape the future of football, and we are sure they will all have an amazing EURO U19 Campaign.