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Euro 2012 files: The exciting youngsters

Monday 28 May 2012 15:00 BST

Euro 2012 files: The exciting youngsters

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1/15Euro 2012 files: The exciting youngsters

Euro 2012 files: The exciting youngsters

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Mesut Özil, 23 (Germany)
The Real Madrid playmaker is one of the most consistent and talented players in Europe. Özil has made a significant impact to his club's season since he left Bundesliga club Schalke 04 in January 2008. His form and class at Werder Bremen (12 assists and nine goals in 29 league games in 2009/2010) continued for the national team with exceptional performances at the 2010 World Cup earning him a move to Real Madrid. Özil has developed into a key player for the Spanish giants in their title-winning campaign with 16 assists and four goals in 35 La Liga games (last season 17 assists and six goals in 36 league games). The playmaker will be central to Germany's hopes this summer.

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Euro 2012 files: The exciting youngsters

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Euro 2012 files: The exciting youngsters

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Yann M'Vila, 21 (France)
The Rennes player is a key part of Laurent Blanc's new look France side. M'Vila has been described as the archetypal defensive midfielder with very few flaws in his game. He is a strong, disciplined and reliable player who can dominate his opponents and control the midfield with excellent distribution. M'Vila was expected to leave French club Rennes last summer but decided a move the season before the European Championships could jeopardise his chances of selection. Although M'Vila signed a contract extension last year, it is highly unlikely that he will remain in France after the tournament with his value said to be €22m.

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Euro 2012 kicks-off in just a matter of days and in anticipation The Independent is running down the key factors and people to keep an eye on in Poland and Ukraine this summer.

From free-kick takers to hot-heads, blasts from the past to those who will miss out, we'll have it all covered before things kick-off in Warsaw.

Here, we bring you the youngsters that have the potential to light up the tournament.

Click here or click 'VIEW GALLERY' to launch our guide.

Other Euro 2012 files...

The hotheads and divers

The tricksters and dribblers

The wives, girlfriends and famous faces

The top managers

The deadliest free-kick takers

The golden boot contenders

The meanest defenders

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