From Russia's Alan Dzagoev to Germany's Mario Götze, here are six players I expect to excel at Euro 2012
Alan Dzagoev (Russia)
The CSKA Moscow talent has won a major battle to get fit for inclusion in the squad. Born in 1990, he will be one of the youngest players in the tournament but Dick Advocaat knows the importance of his linking skills behind either Pavel Pogrebnyak or Roman Pavlyuchenko. The bonus is that he is able to snatch vital goals. Similar to Andrey Arshavin, who also played under Advocaat when he managed a quality Zenit St Petersburg side, he is clever on the ball with an eye for goal. His elusive talents could just swing a quarter- final place Russia's way. Apart from the enigmatic Arsenal forward Arshavin, all the players are home-based and well paid. All are able to resist moves west but Dzagoev could be the exception.
Kevin Strootman (Holland)
The 22-year-old PSV midfielder caught the eye last season with strong performances in the Europa League in particular. Making quick progress as he advanced from Sparta and Utrecht to the more high-profile and demanding Eindhoven club he has established himself with his passing ability. But his importance to PSV is the way he balances the surging runs of his fellow midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who has sadly, and narrowly, missed out on a place in the Holland squad as Bert van Marwijk has kept faith with the old guard. Strootman can tackle like Nigel de Jong but, with Wesley Sneijder having had an indifferent season at Internazionale, and Mark Van Bommel less certain in the tackle as he slows up, Strootman could well establish himself. He balances an extremely successful group who will fancy their chances.
Yann M'Vila (France)
The Rennes midfielder will almost certainly miss the England game after taking a heavy knock no his ankle in the friendly against Serbia but should be fit for later matches in a team with a strong chance. With Karim Benzema the leader of the attacking line, M'Vila may well showcase his prodigious talent as a new boy on the block. Competing to complement the invention of the likes of Samir Nasri, Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and Franck Ribéry - who will all provide the attacking ammunition - he is a powerful raider and strong tackler who can intercept and block more talented opposition playmakers. He can be an ideal foil for considerable French invention in a side which will be confident of a quarter-final place. Some of the big-city English clubs are eyeing the talented M'Vila – but Rennes will require big money.
Christian Eriksen (Denmark)
There are shades of Laudrup and Arnesen about a Denmark and Ajax talent set to hit the high spots. At Ajax he plays behind the front line, seeking space and exploiting it with sharp movement and an eye for goal. At times, he needs to utilise his gifts with greater appreciation of colleagues but more consistency will come. He can be explosive in possession and Morten Olsen will have been thrilled with his end-of-season form as he tricked his way past Dutch defences during Ajax's unbeaten 14-game run which saw them storm to the Eredivisie title. Only 20, Eriksen will play behind Nicklas Bendtner in a difficult group. Big European club scouts will have further opportunities to evaluate Eriksen's talents as they glimpse his skills.
Mario Götze (Germany)
Jürgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund took all before them as they swept to a German domestic double last season. Although Götze missed several games with a hip injury, he contributed outstanding and consistent displays in Dortmund's midfield. His playmaking skills for the club he joined as a young boy have warranted a place in a German squad of considerable talent. If they emerge from a difficult group to play a passing game, Götze is likely to be granted a stage alongside Sami Khedira. The challenge from the grafting Bastian Schweinsteiger is strong and Mesut Ozil has proved his class but Götze is one for the future. Arsenal are thought to be the main admirers of a 20-year-old who moves and passes with subtlety and good selection.
James McClean (Ireland)
McClean reminds me of the ex-Burnley wide-left flyer, Steve Kindon. He may seize his opportunity if Giovanni Trapattoni gives him a chance. His late inclusion in the squad came after an incredibly successful first season in the Premier League with Sunderland comes after Trapattoni was slow to recognise the talents of a player who originally attracted Steve Bruce's attention while playing for Derry City. Martin O'Neill has pushed the hungry winger into a difficult arena at the Stadium of Lights and McClean has come up trumps. A good crosser and a fine header of a ball, he will cause headaches for more illustrious opponents who are not au fait with his style and purposeful movement. Trapattoni's men look the weakest squad in this group but his players have great heart and will be well supported. McClean has a tremendous opportunity to be a shining light in a sometimes dull-looking Irish squad who cannot continue to rely on the heroic defensive efforts of Richard Dunne and Shay Given and the twilight qualities of Robbie Keane. Read More
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