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UEFA U-19 - Ten future stars to follow

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  • UEFA U-19 - Ten future stars to follow

    Ten future stars to follow
    Monday, 1 August 2005
    By Andrew Haslam

    A number of players made a real impact at the UEFA European Under-19
    Championship finals in Northern Ireland, perhaps signalling the start
    of a promising international career. uefa.com picks out ten who have
    caught the eye and could be ready shine on the senior stage before
    too long.

    Abdoulaye Balde, France

    The Amiens SC striker was a constant threat to opposition defenders
    with his pace and power, racing clear to score against England in
    the opening game of the tournament and striking twice more in the
    semi-final win against Germany. Having scored seven league goals in
    15 matches in 2004/05, his tournament finished with one goal and one
    assist in the final victory against England.

    Edel Bete, Armenia

    The Armenian goalkeeper produced a superlative display in the 1-1 draw
    with England on Matchday 2, save after save keeping the attackers at
    bay and earning his side an unexpected point. A confident shot-stopper
    who dominates the penalty area and is an assured presence between
    the posts.

    Vassiriki Diaby, France

    Similar in stature to Patrick Vieira, the AJ Auxerre midfield player
    exudes equal authority in the centre of the pitch. Athletic and
    powerful, his drive and ambition, allied to tireless energy and
    relentless work-rate, was never more in evidence than in the final
    as he spurred his side on again and again.

    Matthew Fryatt, England

    The Walsall FC striker's finest moment came in the 3-1 semi-final
    victory against Serbia and Montenegro, his blistering pace and
    predatory instincts bringing him an impressive hat-trick. Also on
    target in the group-stage draw with France, defences were caused no
    end of problems by his movement and energy.

    Stylianos Iliadis, Greece

    In an ultimately disappointing Greek campaign, their captain was a
    lively presence who never lost heart. Always prompting thoughtfully
    from midfield, his commitment and work-rate made him his side's most
    consistently impressive performer.

    Grant Leadbitter, England

    Despite his late red card in the final, the Sunderland AFC midfield
    player gave ample evidence of his ability. Strong and fearless tackler,
    his commitment and never-say-die attitude is allied to exceptional
    vision and fine passing ability.

    Karim Aoudia, Norway

    The Norwegian midfield player was his side's most regular goalscoring
    threat, timing his runs forward to arrive in the penalty area at
    exactly the moment. Aoudia scored Norway's first goal of the finals
    in the 2-0 victory against Armenia on the opening day, and was on
    target again against England, although that match ended in defeat
    and elimination for the Scandinavian side.

    Eugen Polanski, Germany

    The German captain led by example, driving forward from midfield at
    every opportunity and working tirelessly to win back possession when
    play broke down. At the heart of everything good about the German
    side, he found the net against Serbia and Montenegro and Greece and
    his free-kick for Kevin-Prince Boateng's late goal almost inspired
    a dramatic fightback in the semi-final loss to France.

    Thomas Stewart, Northern Ireland

    Came close to earning the tournament hosts a point in their opening
    fixture against Greece when his shot was cleared at the last as
    it rolled towards the net. Energetic and prominent throughout, he
    finally found the target in added time against Germany on Matchday 3 -
    the very least Northern Ireland deserved for three displays full of
    effort and endeavour.

    Borko Veselinovic, Serbia and Montenegro

    Until injury curtailed his semi-final appearance against England,
    the Serbo-Montenegrin captain was his side's best player. Scored
    twice against both Germany and Greece and got the only goal against
    the Northern Irish in the group stage, Veselinovic showed composure,
    confidence and a cool head in front of goal.
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